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« I UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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I 




STEPHEN FUIXEK AUSTIN. 



A 

CONDENSED HISTORY OF 

TEXAS 

FOR SCHOOLS 



PREPARED FROM THE GENERAL HISTORY OF 
JOHN HENRY BROWN 

BY '/ 

Mrs. MARY M. BROWK 

WITH A NOTE TO TEACHERS, TOPICAL OUTLINES 
AND CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY 

BY 

JAMES MUNROE FENDLEY, A.B. 

PRINCIPAL, IN THE GALVESTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS 




DALLAS, TEXAS 
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR 

1895 



Copyright, 1895, by 
MARY M. BROWN 



Press of J. J. Little & Co. \ i 

Astor Place, New York /"'^ 



/ 






PREFACE. 

Through a long life in Texas and a residence of five years 
in Mexico, it has been my practice to accumulate all data 
possible relating to Texas history— original documents, and 
copies when obtainable — governed only by a desire to throw 
the light of historical truth upon each event. The result has 
been a collection of much valuable material, a part of which 
is published in my "General History of Texas" (1893). 

The present volume is to be regarded as a training ground 
for youthful minds, where a love and zest for the interesting 
detail of State history, that awaits them, may be created. 

In its arrangement as a text-book for schools, credit is due 
to the suggestions and topical outlines furnished by Professor 
J. M. Fendley, of the Galveston public schools, who has 
made a special study of practical methods in teaching our 
State history. 

In placing before the student this concise, interesting, 
and reliable condensation, it is confidently believed that the 
need of a satisfactory work on the subject will be supplied. 

John Henry Brown. 



CONTENTS. 

INTRODUCTORY. 
CHAPTER I. 

PAGK 

Description of Texas, 13 

CHAPTER II. 
Indians of Texas, . 19 

PERIOD OF DISCOVERY AND CLAIMS, 
1492-1819. 

CHAPTER III. 
Spanish Explorations and Claims, 1492-1540, .... 24 

CHAPTER IV. 
French Explorations and Claims, 1682-1729, .... 27 

SPAIN ATTEMPTS TO COLONIZE TEXAS. 

CHAPTER V. 
Missions Established, 1689-1693, 35 

CHAPTER VI. 
Further Efforts of Spain to Colonize, 1727-1734, ... 43 

CHAPTER VII. 
Ownership of Texas, 1734-1819, 45 



8 CONTENTS. 

PERIOD OF EXPEDITIONS, 1797-1807. 
CHAPTER VIII. 

PAGE 

Philip Nolan's Expeditions, 1797-1807, 48 

CHAPTER IX. 
Magee's Expedition, 1813-1813, 52 

CHAPTER X. 
Long's Expeditions, 1819-1823, 58 

CHAPTER XI. 
Galveston Island, 1816-1820, . 62 

CHAPTER XII. 
Mexico Gains her Independence from Spain, 1821-1824, . . 66 

COLONIZATION PERIOD, 1820-1835. 

CHAPTER XIII. 
Austin's Colony, 1820-1824 69 

CHAPTER XIV. 
Edwards' Colony, 1825-1827, . . 77 

CHAPTER XV. 
Other Colonies, 1825-1834, 81 

CHAPTER XVI. 
Growth of the Colonies, 1824-1836, 83 

CHAPTER XVII. 
Mistreatment of the Colonies, 1830, .87 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
The Conventions of 1832-1833, 94 



CONTENTS. 9 

PERIOD OF REVOLUTION, 1830-1836. 
CHAPTER XIX. 

PAGE 

Causes of the Revolution, 100 

CHAPTER XX. 
The Beginning of the War, 1835, 104 

CHAPTER XXI. 
The Taking of San Antonio, 1835, '. 107 

CHAPTER XXII. 
The General Consultation, 1835, 115 

CHAPTER XXIII. 
The Convention, 1836, 119 

CHAPTER XXIV. 
The Pall of the Alamo, 1836, 126 

CHAPTER XXV 
The Destruction Wrought by Urrea's Army, 1836, . . . 137 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

Houston's Retreat and Santa Anna's Advance, March-April, 

1836, 146 

CHAPTER XXVII. 
Battle of San Jacinto, April 21, 1836, 151 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 
End of the War, 1836, 162 



10 CONTENTS. 

PERIOD OF THE REPUBLIC, 1836-1845. 
CHAPTER XXIX. 

I'AGE 

Houston's First Administration, 1836-1839, .... 168 

CHAPTER XXX. 
Lamar's Administration, 1839-1841, 173 

CHAPTER XXXI. 
Houston's Second Administration, 1841-1843, .... 179 

CHAPTER XXXII. 
Annexation, 1845, 189 

STATE PERIOD. 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 
From Annexation to the Civil War, 1845-1861, . . . 193 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 
The Civil War and Reconstruction, 1860-1874, . . .200 

CHAPTER XXXV. 
Recent Development, 1874-1895, 208 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 
Present Condition, 1895, 218 

CHAPTER XXXVII. 
The Constitution, 1875-1891, 230 



TO THE TEACHER. 

BY J. M. FENDLEY. 

The topical outlines to be found at the close of each chapter 
may be used in different ways, but the following is suggested : 
Let one of the pupils place the topics on the blackboard. Then 
the first pupil that is called on to recite will take the first topic, 
and, in his otvn langiiage, tell what he knows about it. The 
next pupil will take the second topic, etc. , the recitation form- 
ing one continuous story. However poorly a pupil may recite, 
he should not be interrupted until he has finished ; then, at 
the discretion of the teacher, criticisms may be made, addi- 
tional facts stated, etc. 

The pupil that has been accustomed to the question and 
answer method will not find it very hard to recite by topics, 
and the results will richly repay all his efforts. When properly . 
used, the topical method of reciting trains the pupil in habits 
of systematic thought and easy expression that are worth fully 
as mucli to him as the facts acquired. 

The text-book is for reference, and the pupil should not be 
expected to learn everything that it contains ; least of all should 
he be allowed to memorize it. 

History and geography go hand in hand. A large wall 
map should be kept before the class, and the different places 
located as reference is made to them in the course of the 
lesson. There is in this book a valuable map of the colonies, 
never before accessible to pupils, which will add much to the 
interest of the colonial period. 

The teacher may well give variety to his methods, but the 



12 TO THE TEACHER. 

constant aim in all his instruction should be, to stimulate 
thought ; to give the pupil the power of expressing his ideas 
clearly, in his own language ; to cultivate a taste for histori- 
cal studies ; and, finally, to kindle the fire of patriotism in 
the breasts of the pupils, and prepare them for the duties of 
citizenship. 



HISTORY OF TEXAS. 



INTRODUCTORY. 

CHAPTER I. 

DESCKIPTION" OF TEXAS. 

1. Texas before the Ag-e of Man. — The greater part of 
Texas was once the bed of an ocean, with the higher points, 
protected by stone and iron caps, showing above the water, 
like islands. This was ages and ages ago. 

As the water slowly fell, it left its marks on the hillsides ; 
monnds of shells were left to tell of the sea which rolled over 
the land before years and dates were thought of. 

2. A Description of the Crust. — By digging into the 
crust of the earth we see what it is made of and how it would 
look if o-reat slices could be cut off. This crust is divided into 
layers, each layer telling its own story by showing the minerals 
stored up for our use, and the bones of animals that lived at 
that time, turned into stone, that we may see and learn from 
them. Who has not climbed Texas hills and followed rocky 
■creek beds looking for the fossils to be found there, or searched 
the gravel beds for the bones of animals that lived in those 
ancient days ? Scientific men have been looking into the crust 
of Texas, and find it wonderfully interesting. The stone bodies, 
or fossils, are among the rarest and finest in the United States. 

Many schools are becoming interested in making collections, 
and have been given minerals and fossils from the collections 
,of these men. 



14 



INTEODUCTORY. 



3. The Two Iron Districts. — Iron and coal are two 
most useful minerals, and they exist in great quantities in 
Texas. 

There are two great iron districts — one in the eastern part, 




FALLS OF THE LLANO, SOUTH OF LONG MOUNTAIN. 



known to the earliest settlers, and the other in the central, or 
LUmo, district, said to contain the best grade of iron and in 
inexhaustible quantities. 

4. The Coal Veins. — The chief coal veins of Texas run 
in a northeast course from the Eio Grande to the great coal 
mines of the Indian Territory, showing them to belong to the 
same beds. 

5. BuiUlinj^ Stones. — A plentiful supply of fine granite, 
limestone, sandstone, and marbles is to be had from our home 
quarries. It is not necessary to go out of the State for beauti- 
ful building materials, for Texas has everything needed for 
that purpose, as can be seen by our beautiful Capitol at Austin. 
§371. 



DESCRIPTION OF TEXAS. 



15 



6. The Four Natural Divisions of Texas. — Texas is 
naturally divided into four distinct regions. 

7. The Timber Keg-ion. — The eastern, or timber, region 
is the end of a great line of timber which follows the Atlantic 




TUB NATURAL DIVISIONS OP TEXAS. 



Ocean and Gnlf of Mexico, reaching about one hundred miles 
into Texas. 

This timber belt, three hundred miles in length, is made 
up of the long leaf, or yellow, pine, known over the world as 
making the best lumber for building purposes ; the short leaf, 
or loblolly, pine ; and, on its western edge, a great variety of 
hard woods. 



16 INTRODUCTORY. 

From two linndred to six liundred feet above the Gulf of 
Mexico, East Texas is a rolling, upland country, well watered 
by living streams. The hills crop out in picturesque forms of 
iron and sandstone. 

8. The Prairie Region. — The prairie region lies like an 
open sea, reaching from the Red River to the coast country, 
and from the timber belt in the east to the high plateaus of 
AVestern Texas. 

Equal in size to three large States, this part of Texas is 
deeply covered with dark, rich soil. The principal rivers of 
Texas run through it in a southeasterly course to the Gulf. 

The beds of sand and clay so hold the water as to make the 
edges of the river banks the natural home of the most luxu- 
riant ferns, whose exquisite beauty cannot be surpassed. 

The land is a succession of rolling jirairies, perfectly drained, 
fringed with hard-wood timber in the river bottoms, such as 
Bois d'Arc, which is almost everlasting when used under or 
above ground. 

9. The Coast Reg-ion. — Lying along the Gulf shore for 
four hundred miles, the level coast prairies stretch inland from 
fifty to one hundred miles, broken only by the timber on the 
streams that cross them, and by the motts, or islands, of live 
oak, pin oak, and sweet-gum trees scattered here and there. 

Farther than the eye can reach, these prairies extend ; 
carpeted with green grass thickly dotted with gay flowers, they 
have the appearance of vast parks. 

They rise gently from the Gulf. "Where there is much clay 
in the soil, the dry weather causes it to crack open in deep 
seams, which close again after a heavy rainfall, making Avhat 
is known as ''hog-wallow prairie." From these clays are 
made bricks, flower-pots, charcoal-furnaces, etc. 

10. The Staked Plain and Western Monntains. — At 
and beyond the head waters of the largest Texas rivers, the 
country sharply rises upon a high plateau which is the eastern 
line of the Staked Plain. 



DESCRIPTION OF TEXAS. 



17 



There have been several reasons given why this is called tlie 
'^ Staked Plain/' The most probable one is that, many years 
ago, the Indians who roamed all over the conntry, or traders 
from Santa Fe to Lonisiana, drove stakes in the ground to mark 
the way which led by water, that they might always be able 
to find it as they travelled to and fro. 

This plain reaches from the upper part of the Pan-Handle 
to Central West Texas, and varies from sixty-five to one hun- 
dred and fifty miles in width, and from three hundred to four 
hundred feet in height, sloping slightly to the southeast. 

Its soils are porous and rapidly take up the rains, and hold 
the water for a long time. Moist soil can be found there at a 




SIERRA DIABLO, EL PASO COUNTY. 



depth of a few inches at any time. The plain has the appear- 
ance of a boundless sea of grass. 

It is cut, here and there, by canons. 

Beyond the Pecos liiver, which runs south through the 
plain, lies the Texas spur of the Kocky Mountain range. 



18 IKTRODUCTOEY. 

Here are found real mountains, lifting their heads from six 
thousand to eight thousand feet above the Gulf of Mexico. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 

1. — Description of Texas. 

1. Texas before the age of man. 

2. A description of the crust. 

3. The two iron districts. 

4. The coal veins. 

5. Buihling stones. 

G. The four natural divisions of Texas. 

7. The timber region. 

a. The timber. 
h. The surface. 

8. The prairie region. 

a. The size of this region. 

h. The soiL 

r. The drainage. 

9. The coast region. 

a. The grass and trees. 
h. The soil. 
10. The Staked Plain and western mountains. 
a. Why the " Staked Phiin" is so called. 
h. Its elevation. 

c. The soil. 

d. The canons. 

e. The mountains. 



li^^DIANS OF TEXAS. 19 



CHAPTER II. 

INDIANS OF TEXAS. 

11. Why so Called. — Tlie discoverers of America, think- 
ing they had reached India by sailing west, called the red 
peo^ile they found there Indians. 

12. Orig-iii of the Indians. — As to where the Indians 
came from, no one has been able to decide. They are a race 
by themselves. For many thousand years they have been in 
America, and the discoverers of Texas found them living in 
nearly every part of the country. A few legends were all they 
claimed as history. 

13. How They Lived. — Most of them had villages, from 
which they went out on hunting or thieving expeditions, or in 
making war upon each other. Some, naturally inclined to 
peace, planted little fields of corn, and made their clothing 
from the skins of animals. Although all were Indians, they 
were divided into tribes very different from one another, as 
the white settlers soon found out when they moved into 
Texas. 

14. The Carancahuas. — The country along the Gulf of 
Mexico was occupied by the Carancahuas. They were foot 
Indians, and hunted, in light canoes, on tlie shallow bays and 
rivers, for fish and sea fowl. They were no man's friend, and 
had disappeared before 1850. 

15. The Conianches and Kiowas. — The largest and 
most cruel tribes were the Comanches and the Kiowas. Their 
villages were in the mountains and at the head of the Texas 
rivers. They went on raids through all the country down to 
the Gulf and as far east as the Trinity River. They never 



20 



INTRODUCTORY. 



kept a treaty if greed or revenge temioted them to break it. 
Eiding swift horses, they were ahnost sure to escape with 
prisoners, scalps, and cattle. 

16. The Toncahuas. — This tribe lived in tlie conntry of 
the Guadalupe, Navidad, and Lavaca Rivers. In them the 




LOCATION OF THE TEXAS INDIAN TRIBES. 

settlers always found friends. Their last chief, Placido, and 
a number of his warriors, fought with General Burleson and 
others against the Comanches, whom the Toncahuas feared 
and hated. During the civil war the Comanches attacked them 
at Fort Cobb. Placido and so many of his warriors were killed 
that the tribe was almost swept from the earth. 



INDIANS OF TEXAS. 



^1 



17. Tlie Lipaiis. — The Lipaiis were Mexican Indians, and 
fought with ]\Iexico in the Kei^ublican army dnring the Mex- 
ican revolution. At one 

time they acted as scouts 
for Texas, but afterward 
returned to Mexico and be- 
came bitter enemies to the 
Texians. As long as the 
border country was open to 
them they made raids upon 
the colonists. 

18. The Apaclies. — 
The Apaches were from New 
Mexico and Arizona. They 
were always fierce and war- 
like. 

19. The Cficldos.— 
The Caddos were from 
Louisiana, and included the 
tribes, under different 
names, who had villages from 
the Sabine and Tied Eivers to 

the Trinity. They had farms and cattle, and in many ways 
gave signs of civilization. The Frencli in Louisiana found 
faithful friends in them. s 

20. The Waeos. — The Waco villages were on the Brazos 
and upper Trinity. They had cultivated fields, and built tliem- 
selves houses. They were not friendly or reliable, and gave 
the early settlers a great deal of trouble. The city of Waco 
takes its name from this tribe. 

21. The Tehuacaiios. — Northeast of the Wacos were the 
Tehuacanos. The Anadacos and Pawnees were their near 
neighbors. 

22. The Keechis. — In the east were a low, crafty tribe 
called the Keechis, few in numbers and held in contempt by all. 




PLACIDO, CHIEF OF THE TONCAHUAS. 



'22 



INTRODUCTORY. 



23. The Wicliitas. — The Wichitas, a large and fierce 
tribe, lived iu the Red River and Cross Timber country ;, and in 
the Wichita Mountains. 

24. The Pueblos. — The most interesting of all the Texas 
Indian tribes are the Pueblos, For many centuries their home 
has been in the country around their town of Ysleta, on the Rio 
Grande. They are said to be the builders of cities whose ruins 
have been seen by explorers through New Mexico and California. 

They became Roman Catholics when the Spanish priests 
came among them. For more than three hundred and fifty 
years they have been peaceful shepherds. § 33. Ysleta is 

said to be the 
^1 -^_ ^ oldest town in 

North Ameri- 
ca, and the 
houses are still 
built in the 
same style that 
the first ones 
were. 

The office 
of chief de- 
scends from 
Their records have been kept for hundreds of 




^yW/-i 



OLD CHURCH AT YSLETA, THREE HUNDRED YEARS OLD. 



father to son. 
years. 

25. The Alabamas, Coosliatties, and Muscogees. — 

Leaving Alabama, these simple, kindly Indians made their 
home in a village that had been deserted by the Caddos, south- 
east of the Trinity. 

They have never been sent to the Indian Reserves (§337) 
or to the Indian Territory, but have lived in peace among the 
white people of that region. 

26. The Araiiainas and Aiiaqiias. — These Indians were 
in and around (}oliad. They disappeared before many colo- 
nists came there. 



II^DIANS OF TEXAS. 23 



TOPICAL OUTLINES. 

II. — The Indians. 

1. How they received their name. 

2. What we know of their history. 

3. How most of them lived. 

4. Names of the principal tribes. 

5. Some peaceful tribes. 

6. Some warlike tribes. 

7. Some tribes that were friendly to the white people. 

8. The Pueblos. 

9. Their curious villai^e. 

10. Make a list of places in Texas that have taken their names from 

Indian tribes. 

11. What city in Texas is built on the site of a large Indian village ? 



PERIOD OF DISCOVERY AND CLAIMS. 

1492-1819. 

CHAPTER III. 

SPANISH EXPLORATIONS AND CLAIMS, 1492-1540. 

27. Lawful Claims of European Nations. — When any 
European nation took possession of any extent of sea-coast, it 
was understood that it had a right into the country as far as 
the sources of the rivers emptying within that coast, to all 
their branches and the country they covered, and no other 
nation could lay any chdm to it.* 

28. Spain Claims Texas. — As a part of America when 
discovered by Columbus, the people of Spain claimed that Texas 
belonged to them. Tliey also claimed it as a part of Mexico 
when it was conquered by Cortez in 1521. 

* Rules of International Law established by the Goveknments of 
Europe, in kegakd to their American Discoveries. 

Rule 1st. " When any European nation takes ])ossession of an}- extent of 
sea-coast, that possession is understood as extending into the interior country 
to the sources of the rivers emptying within tliat coast, to all tlieir branches 
and the country they cover, and to give it a right in exclusion of all other 
nations to the same," 

Huh 2(1. "Whenever one European nation makes discoveries and takes 
possession of any portion of this continent, and another afterward does the 
same, at some distance from it, where the boundary between them is not 
determined by the principle above mentioned, that the middle distance 
becomes such, of course." 

Hide 3d. " Whenever any European nation has thus acquired a right to 
any portion of territory on this continent, that right can never be diminished 
or affected by any other power, by virtue of purchase made, b}' grants or eon- 
(luests of the natives within the limits thereof." 



1528-1582.] SPANISH EXPLORATIONS AND CLAIMS. 25 

29. Paiifilo cle Narvaez, 1528. — Spjiiii sent Narvaez to 
explore the Gulf of Mexico in hopes of finding gold and silver 
and precious stones. He had four shi^is and four hundred men. 
They got separated^ and, at the mouth of the Mississippi 
Iiiver, Narvaez and some of his men were drowned ; others 
were taken prisoners by the Indians. Four of these captives — 
three white men and one negro — had many adventures. The 
Indians had never seen any but red men, and looked upon their 
captives as beings from another world ; so they took them 
wherever they went. For eight years their lives were spent 
with tlie Indians, roaming more than two thousand miles, and 
passing through Texas. They told wonderful stories of the 
great cities they had seen, and the riches of the people, who had 
gold and silver and precious stones. 

30. Heriijuiclo de Soto, 1530. — De Soto was one of the 
bravest and most ambitious of the men sent out by Spain in 
hopes of finding another country in the west as rich and won- 
derful as Mexico. He and his men landed in Florida, and 
pressed on through the country until they came to a great river, 
which proved to be the Mississippi. 

They were attacked by the Indians all the way. The Mis- 
sissippi was crossed on flatboats which they made for that pur- 
pose. It is said that I)e Soto entered Texas somewhere near 
Texarkana, thus strengthening the claims of Spain to Texas. 

After two years of hard life, travelling through a wild coun- 
try without roads, fighting Indians all the way, De Soto died, 
and was buried by his faithful men at the foot of a tree ; after- 
ward his body was sunk in the waters of the Mississippi, that 
the Indians should not find him and know of his death. 

31. Espejo. — In 1582, Espejo, with a company of Sjmn- 
iards, explored and named New Mexico, and established mis- 
sions at Santa Fe and El Paso. 

32. Why Spain did not Care much for Texas. — Al- 
though a few Spanish adventurers had visited Texas, and the 
Roman Catholic missionaries had begun their work on the Rio 



26 PERIOD OF DISCOVERY AND CLAIMS. [1540. 

Grande, Spain did not feel much interest in the country, be- 
cause of the poverty of the Indians. It was soon found they had 
nothing that coukl be carried away to add to her own riches. 

33. Spain's First Formal Claiiii to Texas, by Vasqiiez 
de Coronaclo, in 1540. — General Coronado had been sent out 
by Mexico to hunt for five golden cities that were said to be in 
the north. In the spring of his second year's search he came 
to the Pueblo village of Ysleta, set up a cross, and declared it to 
belong to the King of Spain. He brought sheep and horses 
to the Pueblos, and taught them to be shepherds. § 24. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 

ni.— Spanish Explorations and Claims. 

1. What was necessary to make good the claim of a European nation 

to territory in the New World ? 

2. Spain's first reason for claiming Texas. 

3. Narvaez and his fate. 

4. The adventures of the four men tliat were spared. 

5. De Soto. 

6. Why Spain did not care much about Texas. 

7. Her first formal claim. 



1682.] 



FEEIfCH EXPLORATION^ AKD CLAIMS. 



27 



CHAPTER lY. 



FRENCH EXPLORATION AND CLAIMS, 1082-1729. 



34. Kt)bert Cavalier de la Salle. — La Salle was a brave 
Frencliman. llis parents intended liini to be a priest, and 
had given him a fine 

education for that pur- 
pose. 

But La Salle was 
fond of exciting travel, 
and became a fur trader 
among the Indians of 
Canada. While with 
them he discovered the 
Ohio and Illinois Rivers, 
and launched the first 
vessel on the Niagara 
River that had been 
seen in that part of the 
world. 

After wonderful ad- 
ventures, he came to 
the Mississippi, and. 

went down it until he reached the mouth, where he planted 
the liag of France and declared all the country near it belonged 
to the King of France. The king's name was Louis ; for him 
La Salle called the country Louisiana. 

35. La Salle's Expedition Org-aiiizert. — La Salle went 
back to France, and gave such a delightful account of Louisi- 
ana that he was able to start with four vessels, one hundred 




LA SALLE. 



28 PERIOD OF DISCOVERY AND CLAIMS. [1684. 

and eighty men, seven priests, and seven families, to set up a 
colony near the mouth of the Mississippi, for he knew, in order 
to hold the country for France, he must put French people 
there. 

During the storm the vessels Avere blown away from each 
other, and one was taken by the Spaniards. The other three 
joined one another, and came into the Gulf of Mexico. 

There was little, if any, knoAvledge of the Gulf Stream in 
those days ; the sea was as jDathless as the western wild coun- 
tries. La Salle sailed too far south, and passed far beyond the 
Mississippi. 

He became sure they had gone too far, and turned back. 
Seeing an inlet, which they thought was one of the openings 
in the mouth of the Mississippi, they entered Avhat is now 
^[atagorda Bay. In crossing the bar one of the vessels was 
wrecked. 

36. First WJiite Colony in Texas at Fort St. Lonis. 
— La Salle sailed i\\^ the river, which he called La Vaca ("• the 
Cow '^), and landed on the left bank. He planted a cross and 
took possession in the name of the King of France. A small 
church was built, and a fort called Fort St. Louis. 

They planted crops, and cared for the animals and fowls 
they had taken with them. 

37. Tronbles at Fort St. Lonis. — Two of La Sal-le's best 
men were killed by Indians ; several were taken prisoners, 
though afterward recovered. The sailing master of the little 
fleet took one of the vessels and the crew of the wrecked ves- 
sel, and sailed away for France. Then five more men were 
killed by Indians. 

38. La Salle Hopes to Find the Mississippi. — The 
colonists were delighted with the fine crops raised in their new 
fields, and with the (puintity of game around them. 

La Salle spent the winter exj^loring the country with twenty 
of his men, on foot, hoping to find the Mississippi. They dis; 
covered the Colorado Iliver, and went back to Fort St. Louis. 



1684.] FRENCH EXPLORATIOiq^ AND CLAIMS. 29 

Many of the colonists luul been sick^, unci several had died. 
A mutiny was barely prevented. 

39. Further Ktforts to Fiiul the Mississippi. — In the 

spring La Halle, with the same number of men, travelled as far 
as the Neches Kiver, trying again to find the river on which 
he had promised his king to })lace the colony. 

The Nassonite Indians were there, and the Frenchmen 
were delighted with the warm welcome they gave them. Here 
La Salle had a slow fever. Only eight of his men were left 
when he got well, and their food was almost gone. He re- 
turned to the fort, and found some of the colonists gone ; the 
rest were dissatisfied. 

40. Lti Salle Leaves Fort St. Louis. — La Salle again 
started, taking nearly every one with him. Sieur Barbier was 
left in charge of the seventeen men, women, and children who 
stayed in the fort. The preparations La Salle made — causing 
mass to be celebrated and the sacrament of the Lord's Supper 
to be administered — and the amount of silver and valuables 
which he took, witli the little boat made of buffalo hides which 
was to be carried on horses, showed that he did not expect to 
return. A brother of La Salle's who- was a priest, two of his 
nephews, his old Indian servant, an Indian hunter who had 
come from Canada with La Salle, and another priest (called 
the good Father Anastase) were in this party. 

Near the Neclies Eiver they camped to dry buffalo meat 
for their journey. Three of the men Avho had gone out 
after buft'alo were killed in their sleep on account of a 
quarrel. 

41. Death of La Salle. — Becoming anxious because the 
men did not come in. La Salle started with the Father Anas- 
tase to find them. One of the murderers hid in the high grass 
and shot La Salle. He fell and died without speaking. The 
priest, whose hands he pressed while dying, dug a grave and 
buried him, setting up a cross to mark the spot. 

The murderers were in turn killed. One of the men left 



30 PERIOD OE DISCOVERY AND CLAIMS. [1712-1714. 

took the treasure^ dressed himself in La Salle's scarlet uniform, 
and offered himself as a leader to the peaceable Indians. Seven 
Frenchmen stayed with him. One was drowned in Eed Eiver, 
and oidy five were known to reach France again. 

42. Fate of the Colony. — The Carancahua Indians were 
accused of the death or capture of those left in the fort. The 
Spanish claimed to have found several among the Indians and 
to have sent them to their friends. § -48. 

43. Anthony Crozat's Grant, 1712. — The French tried 
again, many years after, to claim Texas. The whole valley of 
the Mississippi was granted to Crozat, who was a French mer- 
chant. He hoped to plant colonies in Texas, and make roads 
through the country to Mexico. 

44. Jug-ereau St. Denis, 1714.' — St. Denis came as 
Crozat's agent. Tlie Governor of Louisiana consented to his 
coming into Texas, but said it was a piece of insanity to travel 
in such a wild country. With twelve men and a number of 
Indian guides, he reached the Presidio of Rio Grande. He 
met with exciting adventures,* and married a beautiful Mexi- 
can girl. After two years he returned to France, leaving his 
wife with her father. Crozat was so much disap2:iointed that lie 
sold his right to a French trading company. 

^Romantic experience of St. Denis, one of the agents of Anthony Crozat, 
condensed from the records of this expedition in the old archives of San 
Antonio, translated by Sehor de Castro. 

"Jugereau de St. Denis was a young officer from the French army in 
Canada — a man of extraordinary strength, gifted Avith an iron will, a tine 
personal appearance, a good education, and the heart of a lion." 

He started from Mobile, then the capital of Louisiana, came up the Mis- 
sissippi and Red Rivers to the Natchitoches, where he founded the present 
city of that name. lie had with him thirty hunters and trappers from Canada. 
Twelve of these he took with him, and leaving the remainder at his small fort 
at Natchitoches to watch the Spaniards, who had a small garrison at Nacog- 
doches to watch the French, he started in August, 1714, on the expedition, 
taking with him an amount of merchandise to trade with the Mexicans in 
exchange for cattle and horses. 

They travelled west, and arrived at the Nechcs, where, tvventj'-six years 
before, La Salle met his tragic death. The friendly Indians at this jilace fur- 



1714-1739.] FRENCH EXPLORATION AND CLAIMS. 31 

St. Denis was eager to see bis lovely wife, but tbe second 
trip was not a success, and be was finally killed by tbe Natcbez 
Indians in Louisiana. 



nished him guides across the country to the Presidio of San Juan Bautista, 
near the Rio Grande, a mission and an extreme frontier post. 

On arriving at the post he immediately exhibited to Villasecas, the military 
commander of that post, his i)assport from Cordillac, the French Governor of 
Louisiana, which represented that the bearer had only in view to establish a 
trade between Mexico and Louisiana. 

Villasecas detained St. Denis under pretext of obtaining the consent of 
Don Gaspardo Anaya, Governor of Coahuila, to so new an enterprise, while he 
extended to the handsome young cavalier the elegant hospitalities of his 
house. 

In the meantime he had captivated the heart c5f the Donna Maria Villase- 
cas, the young daughter of the commandante. Unhappily for them, Governor 
Anaya was a jealous, because unsuccessful, suitor for the young lady's hand. 
After a long delay the governor sent an escort of twenty-five heavily armed 
men, who took St. Denis in irons to Monclova, where he was imprisoned. 
The governor visited him in his cell, and offered him his freedom on condition 
that he would relinquish his claim to the young lady's hand. This he indig- 
nantly refused to do. 

Anaya increased the rigors of his imprisonment, and, at the end of six 
months, sent a messenger to the Donna Maria, offering to release St. Denis if 
she would marry Aim, but if she refused, St. Denis should die. She replied 
that she would never marry him, and that if St. Denis was put to death by 
his order, or died in consequence of harsh treatment, his own life should surely 
pay the forfeit. 

She sent a trusty messenger to the Viceroy of Mexico, informing him that 
"a young Frenchman, supposed to be a spy, had been for six months in the 
hands of the Governor of Coahuila, who was holding him for the ransom 
which he hoped to appropriate to his own use." 

The viceroy sent an armed guard, and St. Denis, heavily ironed, was placed 
on horseback and taken to the City of Mexico, where he was again im- 
j)risoned. 

His hair and beard had grown so that his physiognomy could hardly be 
seen. No one, in that miserable being, broken down by suffering, would ever 
have recognized the gallant French adventurer. 

After several months' delay. Donna Maria sent a messenger to the viceroy, 
with the following note : " In the jjvisons of Mexico a gentleman is uujmtly 
detained, and iqjon whose character the good faith of your excellency has been 
betrayed. Before God you will be accountable for his death, now that you are 
notified.''^ 

The viceroy sent a French officer who had taken service in the Sj^anish 



32 PERIOD OF DISCOVERY AND CLAIMS. [1714-1729. 

The trading company sent a few men to Fort St. Louis for 
a little while, and there Avere three other nnsuccessftil efforts 
to hold their claim. It was then given up. 



army, as many French ofRcers did, with a squad of soldiers, to inspect all the 
prisons in the city. The officer and soldiers entered unannounced into St. 
Denis' cell, who supposed his last hour was at hand. 

" The officer advanced toward that human form which lay prostrate on 
the floor of the cell, and addressed him in Spanish : ' Who are you, and why 
are you here ? ' He answered feebly in French : ' My name is Jugercau St. 
Denis. I am a gentleman by birth, a prisoner by treason, and I am waiting 
for justice to be done me.' " 

The ofiicer, much excited, asked, " Were you not born in Canada V " 

'* Yes." 

" You have been raised in France ? " 

"Yes." 

" Did you not go to Louisiana to make a fortune V " 

" Yes." 

He then ordered the irons to be instantly stricken from him, and embraced 
the shrunken figure affectionately. 

" And who are you ? " asked St. Denis. 

" I am the Marquis of Lanai-ge." 

The surprise and joy were mutual. They f(nind in each other the play- 
mate of childhood and the schoolmate of later years, whose paths had 
diverged to meet again in this remarkable manner. 

St. Denis remained in that gay capital until his health was restored, the 
recipient of devoted attention from admiring friends (as he always was). He 
afterward rescued the viceroy, the Duke of Linarez, from three masked 
ruflSans. He received urgent and tempting invitations to join the Spanish 
service. "I can serve but one God and one king. I am a Frenchman, and, 
much as I esteem the Spaniards, I must remain a Frenchman." 

He had improved the opportunity to })lace before the viceroy the plans of 
Crozat, urging upon his notice the great advantage it would be to Mexico to 
share in a more extended commerce, by which also he was able to explain the 
reasons for his strange adventures. This proposal was treated with the usual 
delays, and finally refused, under pretext of a " decree " from the King of 
Spain. 

He determined to return to the Presidio, claim his bride, look after the 
goods he had left, and report himself in readiness to renew the enterprise, 
notwithstanding the opposition of the King of Spain. 

The viceroy parted with him reluctantly, furnished him funds for his 
journey, presented him the finest horse in his stable, an escort to accompany 
him to Coahuila, and written authority for the arrest of Anaya, or the privi- 
lege of inflicting upon him any chastisement he might think proper. (St. 



1714-1729.] FRENCH EXPLORATION AND CLAIMS. 33 

45. Thanks to St. Denis. — St. Denis deserved the 
thanks of the American colonists for having located roads 
through Texas. 



Denis jiolitely pardoned the offending s^overnor, and left him to the chastise- 
ment of liis own conscience and his disappointed love.) 

On arriving at the Presidio he found the commandante in the greatest 
consternation. The Indians of the mission had rebelled, folded their tents 
and left, with all their flocks and herds, women and children. St. Denis 
mounted his horse and started alone in pursuit of them. As he approached 
them in their slow march, now nearing the Nueces River, he elevated his 
pocket-handkerchief upon the point of his sword, when the chief ordered a 
halt. He went into the midst of them, and they pressed closely around him 
to hear his "talk," 

Assisted by his intimate knowledge of the Indian character (acquired in 
Louisiana), his natural vivacity, and more by his power over men, he success- 
fully pictured to them their folly in abandoning their lands and homes with- 
out knowing where to plant their tents, with the dangers to which they were 
exposing their women and children from wandering savages and probable 
starvation. He kindly urged their chief to tell him their grievances. 

He listened attentively, and replied, pledging the honor of the whole 
Spanish nation for their immediate and entire redress. 

The Indians embraced him warmly, and signified their willingness to 
return with him. They followed his lead, and reentered the Presidio more 
like an army flushed with victory than the surly Indians they were so short a 
time since. 

St. Denis and the daughter of the commandante were married ; when, 
after further vain attempts to gain the consent of the government to his 
plans, he returned to Mobile, having been absent two years. 

He did not, however, abandon the enterprise, but returned to the Presidio, 
and, finding that his goods had been confiscated, vv^ent to the City of Mexico 
to demand redress, and again to urge his plans upon the favorable notice of 
the government. 

A new viceroy, Marquis de Valero, had succeeded the Duke de Liuarez, 
his bitter enemy. Anaya, still Governor of Coahuila, wrote of St. Denis to 
the viceroy, representing him as a man dangerous to the tranquillity of the 
government. " For," he urged, " nothing less could induce a man to undertake 
sncli ajotirney a second time.'''' St. Denis was arrested and again thrown into 
a Mexican dungeon. His wife went in person to the City of Mexico, and 
made representations of the truth to many influential persons, who, taking 
advantage of the extreme unpopularity of the viceroy, procured his imnie- 
diate release, and also remuneration for his losses. On his return he was 
accompanied by Ramon, with friars and soldiers, for establishing missions. 

St. Denis returned a second time to Mobile, and, from a broad, plain trail 



34 PERIOD OF DISCOVERY AND CLAIMS. [1729. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 

IV. — French Exploration and Claims. 

1. The education and character of La Salle. 

2. His former adventures. 

3. How Louisiana received its name. 

4. The expedition organized. 

5. Its object. 

6. The voyage. 

7. La Salle's mistake, and how he came to make it. 

8. The first white colony in Texas. 

9. Trials of the colonists. 

10. Further efforts to find the Mississippi. 

11. La Salle's farewell to his colony. 

12. His death. 

13. Fate of the colony. 

The Crozat Grant. 

1. The extent of the grant. 

2. Why France claimed the right to dispose of the country. 

3. Crozat's object. 

4. St. Denis and his adventures. 

5. Why the grant was given np. 

6. France abandons her efforts to hold Texas. 

7. Why St. Denis deserved the thanks of those who came after him. 

made across the country, it was believed that a considerable contraband 
trade was carried on through the Presidio. St. Denis was ])laced in com- 
mand of the fort at Natchitoches, and in 1T29 became instrumental in defeat- 
ing a deeply laid ])lot among the Natchez Indians in Mississippi and Louisi- 
ana, and several Indian tribes in Texas, for the extermination of all the 
white inhabitants. He was, however, afterward killed by the Natchez in a 
general fight, when Ihey regarded him as a superhuman enemy. 



ATTEMPTS OF SPAIN TO COLONIZE 

TEXAS. 

CHAPTER V. 

MISSIONS ESTABLISHED, 1G89-1G93. 



HE Jealousy of the 
Spanish Aroused. — The 

Governor of Coahuila heard 
through some missionary priests 
that people resembling the Span- 
isli in color, and with beards, 
had landed in Texas. He made 
known the report to the Span- 
ish Viceroy in the City of 
Mexico. 

47. Alonzo cle Lieon sent 
into Texas. — As it was decreed that 
none but Spaniards shonld enter the 
Gulf of Mexico, on pain of death, I)e 
Leon, then Governor of Coahuila, was 
sent with soldiers to drive every for- 
eigner from Texas. A priest, Damien Martinez, went with 
him to set up missions among the friendly Indians. 

48. Fort St. Liouis. — Not a Frenchman was to be found. 
at La Salle's little Fort St. Louis, nor could they hear of the 
women and children. § 40. 

A house with the figures " 1685" over the door, and, farther 




36 SPAIN ATTEMPTS TO COLONIZE TEXAS. [1689-1693. 

down the bay, the wreck of the vessel lost in crossing the bar, 
were all that was left. 

Religious exercises were held by the priest ; the Indians 
did not wish to be baptized unless the father would go with 
them to their country, which, they said, was /V/r away, 

49. Origin of the Name Texas. — At the Neches village 
on the Trinity, the Indians had a friendly recollection of La 
Salle, and welcomed De Leon, saying, '' Tel Lias I Teliias!" 
('^Friends! Friends!") As the other Indians he met used 
the same Avords of welcome, he called them all Ijy that name.* 

50. Why Missions were Estahlishe<l. — The King of 
Spain wanted missions established because through them the 
Indians could be brought under control, and made useful in 
improving the country. They could also help to keep for- 
eigners from coming into the country. 

51. Juan Capistran, Coinmissioner General of Mis- 
sions. — The new Governor of Ooahuila came into Texas with 
Capistran and nine priests. They had soldiers and everything 
needful to establish missions, and to bring the friendly Indians 
within reach of the priests who were to teach them their 
religion. 

52. Francisean Priests. — The Texas missions were in 
charge of priests who were first in Italy. Some went to Spain 
and from there to Mexico with Oortez. They had built col- 
leges in Mexico, and from there priests of the same order came 
into Texas. 

They were anxious to win the Indians from their savage 
ways, and give them some idea of religion. The Iiulians be- 
lieved that the soul of a brave warrior Avould find eiidless joy 
in hunting game in their heaven, which they called the happy 
hunting ground. 

53. Deseription of a Mission. — It was the custom of the 



* See Spaiilsli reoonls in Sail Antonio. The letter x is pronounced as an 
h by the Spanish. In Mexico, Texas is called TayJias. 



1689-1G93.] MISSIONS ESTABLISHED. 37 

Spaniards, in taking possession of a place, to erect a cross, hold 
religious services, and baptize all who would receive baptism. 
Such places grew, and, if found to be well situated, soldiers 
were sent for defence. Bodies of land, sometimes twenty-five 
miles square, were given to them for farming and stock- 
raising. 

The buildings of a mission were arranged around a square, 
and consisted of a church, houses for the priests (who were 
not required to labor with their hands) and soldiers, store- 
houses, and prisons. They were usually enclosed within walls 
of masonry or stones ; huts for the converted Indians were 
outside such walls. The priests often ke2)t the keys to the 
Indian huts and locked their occupants in, for safety, at night. 

The Indians had to do a certain amount of work, and obey 
all the rules of the Roman Catholic Church. 

54. Life ill the Missions, IVoiii an Old Book Pub- 
lished in 1840. — " The Catholic clergy, who instructed these 
children of nature [Indians], performed their duties with 
much zeal ; yet in their mode of exciting tl^^m to do well, 
or in punishing them for doing ill, even to the oldest, the 
treatment was more like such as is usual toward little chil- 
dren than people of mature age ; and in no instance was any 
severity or cruelty indulged in. 

'' Eight hours out of twenty-four were allotted for laljor, 
two hours for prayer, and the remainder for relaxation and 
repose ; and when they were to be assembled for any purpose, 
the priests sounded a bell, which promptly congregated the 
cop})er-faces of all ages, sizes, and sexes. 

^' They were required to rise with the sun and S2:»end the 
first hour at mass, and on returning from their devotions a 
breakfast was prejmred, consisting of rice, roots, venison, etc., 
Avhen the family of each wigwam sent a bai'k vessel to the mas- 
ter of ceremonies for their allowance ; and an extra share was 
always served to those who made the greatest proficiency in 
crossing themselves and learning their catechism. "" 



38 



SPAIN ATTEMPTS TO COLOiS^IZE TEXAS. 



ri703. 




THE AT.AMO. 



Eor a present and a good meal they were j)leased to work. 
When they became unruly, the punishment was a whipping, 
the women in private. They soon tired of the quiet life, and 
rebelled when the priests tried to keep their hold upon them. 

After many 
years of patient 
labor, the stone 
buildings, whose 
ruins we noAV .see, 
were built, each 
one replacing 
rude houses built 
when tlie mission 
was started. 

55. The Ala- 
mo Mission Or- 
yanizert in 1 703. — The Alamo was first on the liio Grande. 
It was moved and its name changed several times before the 
present building in 8an Antonio was built. A slab of marble 
in its walls bears 

the date 1757, '^ ' '" 

though the cor- 
ner-stone was laid 
thirteen years be- 
fore. It was 
given the name 
of Alamo after 
being moved to 
San Antonio. 

It was used as 
a fort after the 
Franciscan priests left. The sad fall of the Alamo is 
described in section 242. Five years after that, the con- 
gress of Texas ceded the title to the Koman Catholic 
Church. 




" :V) 






^^^^^ 



SAN JOSE MISSION. 



1720-1731.] 



MISSIONS ESTABLISHED. 



39 



w^ 



The State has since bought it as a memento and for such use 
as may be thought 
best. § 371. 

56. Mission 
of San Jose, 
1 7 2 0. — The 
Reverend Father 
Margil founded 
the mission of 
San Jose on the 
right bank of the 
San Antonio Riv- 
er, four miles be- 
low the city. It 
was fifty years in 
building. A 
sculptor was sent 
from Spain to do 
the beautiful carv- 
ino;. The much- 

loved and honored priest died before it was finished. 

57. The Concepcion Mission, 1731. — The ruins of 

the Concepcion 
Mission are on 
the left bank of 
the San Antonio 
River, about two 
miles below the 
city. 

5 8. San 
Jnan Capistra- 




%i-%\'^ : 



MISSION CONCEPCION. 




' /V//l»-« 



no. — Margil also 



MISSION OP SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO. * * 

Juan Capistrano, 
eight miles below San Antonio, on the east side of the river. 



40 



SPAIN ATTEMPTS TO COLONIZE TEXAS. [1732-1790. 




59. San Francisco de Espacla. — With, its sword-shaped 
tower, the Espada (''the Sword'') Mission was founded by 

Father Margil. 

J^~^- _ It was nineteen 

years in build- 
ing. § 199. 

6 O . San 
Fernando. — 
The old part of 
the present ca- 
tliedral in San 
Antonio was 
built in 1732, 
and named in 
honor of the 
King of Spain. 
6 1. The 
Espiritu San- 
to, La Baliia, 
and Ivosario. — These three missions were recommended by De 
Leon in 1090, but not organized until 1718. They were built 
for the benefit of the Carancahua, Anaqua, and Aranama 
Indians. 

02. San Saba Mission. — The San Saba IMission was very 
successful for more than twenty years. Trouble then came up 
between the Indians and a bad set of men who came into the 
country when the San Saba silver mines were opened. 

The Indians became corrupted. Seizing an opportunity 
when the few soldiers stationed at the mission were absent, 
they turned upon the missionaries and put them all to 
death. 

03. La Trinidad. — La Trinidad was a short-lived mission 
on the Trinity River. For security against the Indians it was 
removed to the neighborhood of Nacogdoches. 

C>4. Refng-io Mission, 1790. — 'J'hc last mission built by 



SAN ESPADA MISSION. 



1794] MISSIONS ESTABLISHED. 41 

the Franciscans was at Refugio, about thirty miles from Cloliad. 
It was used as a fort in Liter years. § 240. 

65. The Franeisciins Return to Mexieo in 1794. — 

Three years after the hist mission was built, the Indians re- 
belled. Drouths destroyed the crops and pastures. The King 
of Spain thought best to give up the country until there was 
more hope of success. 

The priests returned to Mexico. As they took the Avritten 
record of their work with them, but little can be told of it.* 



* The priests who planted the cross in Mexico were monl<s of the order 
of San Francisco, ori;L?inally from Naples. Their founder, San Francisco de 
Assaesi, prohibited learning among them, instructing them to " preacli and 
beg." Afterward tliese exactions were relaxed, and many among them 
became men of learning. They extended from Italy into Spain, wliere they 
established colleges of their order, and when the Spaniards conquered 
Mexico, these j)riests came and founded tlie two colleges of Zacatecas and 
Queretero. 

In Mexico they found a worshipping people, with cities and temples, and 
were able, with the cross and tlie sword, gradually to incorporate many of tlie 
ceremonies and tenets of the Roman Catholic Cliurch into their pagan wor- 
ship, and to bring tliem into tlie fold of the Church by baptism. A great 
point gained was the abolition of human sacriiices to their gods. 

In Texas the Indians had little religious superstition, and less natural 
veneration. They had no riches to localize their habits or their homes, and 
it was not an easy task for the fathers to obtain a permanent influence over 
them. 

The missions were most of them located in the heart of a picturesque 
country, with fertile lands, seldom failing to return abundant increase for the 
labor of the husbandman. Their flocks and herds fed upon the ever green 
commons. The presence of the Mexican soldiery, with the strong walls 
which surrounded the buildings, were guarantees of personal security to the 
priest, as well as of protection to his accumulations. (The surplus of pro- 
duction was at the disposal of the friars, who, though forbidden to claim any 
eartlily possessions, had control of the funds, should there be any, after the 
expenses of the mission were paid.) If these fathers were isolated from the 
luxurious living into which the gloomy order had drifted in Mexico, they 
were also exempt from the severe exactions to which the inferior clergy were 
subject under the eye of the archbishop. While they taught the Indians, 
they were their masters, with the means of punishment for disobedience 
always at hand. 

Many thousands of the Indians were baptized, from the first beginning of 



42 SPAIN^ ATTEMPTS TO COLONIZE TEXAS. 

66. The Mission Ruins. — Here and there silent ruins, 
within whose walls once knelt throngs of worsliippers, re- 
mind the living of that century and a half of toil. And the 
Indians, too, are gone. Nothing is left but the ruins of the 
missions, the most interesting in our country, scattered from 
California to Texas — the only liistorical ruins in the United 
States. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 

V. — The Missions. 

1. Spanish jealousy aroused. 

2. Why Alonzo de Leon was sent into Texas. 

3. Fort St. Louis. 

4. The name of Texas. 

5. The two purposes for which the missions were estabhshed. 

6. Tlie Franciscan priests. 

7. Their manner of deahng with the Indians. 

8. Tlie rehgion of the Indians. 

9. Description of a mission. 
10. Life in the missions. 

IL Names of the principal missions. 
13. The historic mission. 

13. The one tliat was destroyed by tlie Indians. 

14. The last one that was built. 

15. Abandonment of the missions. 

16. Mission ruins. 

the missions until their decline, and many conformed their lives to tlie reciuire- 
ments of the Church while they were inmates of the missions, receiving in 
return for their obedience the necessaries of life, the care of tlieir siclv and 
aged, Cliristian burial after death, and the hopes for the future wliicli it was 
the office of the Church to inspire. 



1727-1734.] EFFOETS OF SPAIN TO COLONIZE. 43 



CHAPTER YI. 

FUETIIEK EFFORTS OF SPAIN TO COLONIZE, 1727-1734. 

67. The New Philippines, 1727. — Texas, with the 
Medina River for its western bouudary, became a province 
with its own governor. 

The name of " New Pliilip})ines" was given to it after the 
colonists from those islands arrived to settle in it four years 
after. § GS. 

San Antonio was the capital, and was given lands for farm- 
ing and cattle raising. The town was built on the sides of a 
square, with a wall around it. Huts for the friendly Indians 
were outside the wall. 

08. C«aiiiiry Islanders Arrive, 1731. — In one of the 
reports to the King of Spain he was advised to send some fami- 
lies from the Canary Islands, as Texas could not be settled 
with priests and soldiers. 

Sixteen fandlies were brought over and settled in the new 
town of Juan Fernando, across the river from San Antonio. 
They were the first colonists to stay in Texas, but it had cost 
so much to bring them, seventy-two thousand dollars, that it 
was decided to economize in Texas affairs, and no more were 
provided for. Tliey were peo2)le of fine character, and some 
of the finest Spanish families of Texas are their descendants. 
§67. 

In order to economize, one of the forts was given up on the 
ISTeches, and some of the soldiers taken aw^ay from the others. 
When the Indians found this out, the Comanches and others 
united to drive all the settlei's from the country. They were 
so severely punished as to make them willing for a peace. 



44 SPAIN ATTEMPTS TO COLONIZE TEXAS. [1734. 

69. Sandoval Appointed Governor, 1734. — The new 

governor was a Spanish soklier who had risen from a yonng 
cadet. The Viceroy of Mexico, Casa Fuerte, was a warm 
friend to the New Philippines ; nnfortunately he died. A 
new governor was ajipointed, who had Sandoval arrested, pnt 
in irons, and tried. lie was proved innocent of any Avrong- 
doing. The priests were 2:)ersecnted by the new governoi*. 

70. Condition of the Country. — The ^n'ovince had 
nothing to offer the greedy treasury of Spain, and the only 
attention given it was to collect taxes from the mission 
Indians. There was no security for life or pro2:)erty excejit 
within the walls of the forts. There were no seaports. On 
animals was the only means of travel, and the paths they fol- 
loAved were so jealously watched that a journey was not often 
undertaken. For these reasons there was not much progress 
made in the settlement of the country. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 

VI. — Further Efforts of Spain to Colonize. 

1. " New Philippines." 

2. The capital of the country. 

3. A new plan adopted for settling the country. 

4. Number and character of the colonists. 

5. Why no more families were brought. 

6. How Texas was governed. 

7. Condition of the country at this time. 



1734-1819.] OWi^EESHIP OF TEXAS. 45 



CHAPTER VII. 

OWNERSHIP OF TEXAS, 1734-1819. 

71. ClJiimed by Both Spain and France. — Before pro- 
ceeding further it is well to understaud the relations of those 
powers that, at different times, laid claim to the territory of 
Texas. 

72. The Basis of the French Claim. — Texas was 
claimed by France as a part of Louisiana discovered by La 
Salle. There was constant trouble about the dividing line 
between the French and the Spanish ; until the question could 
be settled, the Honda Creek, a branch of the Red River, was 
agreed upon as the boundary between Louisiana and Texas. 

73. Louisiana ceded to Spain, 1762. — The barter and 
sale of colonies without their consent, that often attended the 
wars and peacemakings of Euroj)ean states, was a source of 
uneasiness. 

Louis XV. ceded his Louisiana possessions to Spain, not, 
as he said, /Vo^/i tlie pure imjridse of his licarf, but to prevent 
it from falling into the hands of the English. In 1801 Spain 
ceded Louisiana back to France, but with the secret under- 
standing that it was in no case to be transferred to the United 
States. Louisiana had been ceded to Sj^iain eighteen months 
before the colonists heard of it. 

74. Louisiana Ceded to France, 1801. — Texas was 
again claimed by tlie French under Napoleon Bonaparte, who 
was anxious to get a foothold in America by planting colonies. 

Finally, when France and England were in danger of war, 
Napoleon concluded Louisiana was too far away for him to care 
for it, so he sold the whole of Louisiana, as it was then, to the 
United States for 115,000,000 in 1803. 



46 



SPANISH CLAIMS. 



[1801. 



75. The Old Claim Revived by Spain.— Spain declared 
that Texas had not been ceded to France as a part of Louisiana, 
and still belonged to her. 




"the neutral STKU'." 



The United States claimed as far as Matagorda Bay. (See 
map. ) 

The Spanish tore down the United States flag at a little 
Caddo village. Soldiers from both countries were ready to 



1734-1819.] OWJS^ERSHIP OF TEXAS. 47 

fight, and war seemed near. To prevent bloodshed, a secret 
arrangement was entered into between General Wilkinson for 
the United States and General Herrera for Spain. 

One part of this agreement was, no troops from either side 
should cross a strip of country thirty miles wide, and extend- 
ing north and south through Louisiana, bounded on the west 
by the Sabine River, and on the east by the Calcasieu River. 
This was to be neutral ground."^ 

76. Condition of Neutral Ground. — As it belonged to 
no country, there was no one to govern it. Men who had been 
guilty of crimes hid there for safety, and the narrow strip was 
full of thieves ready to pounce upon travellers and rob them of 
horses and goods, sometimes murdering them. 

The ownership of Texas was finally settled in 1819, when 
the United States acquired Florida and gave up all claim to 
Texas. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 
VII. — The Ownership of Texas. 

1. Claimed by both Spain and France. 

2. The basis of the Frencli claim. 

3. The extent of " Louisiana " as asserted h^ France. 

4. *' Louisiana" ceded to Spain. 

5. The reason why France was willing for Spain to have it. 

6. Ceded back to France. 

7. The secret promise made by France. 

8. Sold to the United States. 

9. The old claim revived. 

10. War threatened. 

11. The "Neutral Ground." 

12. Condition of the "Neutral Ground." 

13. Final settlement of the question. 

* The exact boundary lines were, the Sabine on the west, the Calcasieu on 
the east, beginning at the mouth of said river and extending to near Its head, 
then north of Bayou Kissatehie to the mouth of the Don Manuel, southeast of 
the Kissatehie to Lac Del Nor (Lake of the Nortli), thence up the Arroyo 
Hondo (Hondo Creek) to Red River, thence up the south bank of Red River. 
The Hondo is a creek about one mile west of Natchitoches. Many of these 
old names have been changed. 



PERIOD OF EXPEDITIONS, 1797-1824. 

CHAPTEK VIII. 

PHILIP Nolan's expeditions, 1797-1807. 

77. Nolan's First Expedition. — For a long time the 
most that was known of Nohxn's adventures and sad fate in 
Texas was from the account given by Ellis P. Bean, a boy 
who was with him. § 150. Years later, the Spanish official 
account was translated, and Nolan^s fate, with that of his men, 
made known. 

78. Nolan's Request of the Governor. — Nolan was 
living in Natchez, Miss., when he obtained a pass^iort from 
the Governor of Louisiana to go to Texas and buy horses for 
some Louisiana soldiers. He bought more than a thousand 
horses, ^vhich he kept for a while pastured near the Trinity 
Eiver. Soon after this he returned to his home. 

79. What the Viceroy Thought his Purpose was. — 
Two years later, the Viceroy of Mexico gave orders tliat any 
foreigner coming into Texas should be arrested, as he had 
heard that there was a i}liui for some Americans and Eng- 
lishmen to visit the country, become friendly with the 
Indians, and get them to revolt. He wished Nolan closely 
watched . 

The Governor of Louisiana also recommended that no 
Americans be allowed to go into tlie country. He said he 
knew of a number who had gone into Texas, and that the 
most dangerous one was Philip Nolan. 



1797-1807.] PHILIP NOLAN'S EXPEDITIONS. 49 

He claimed that Nolan had been sent by General Wil- 
kinson, who had raised and educated him, to see the country, 
draw maps, and make oifers to the friendly Indians to get 
them to revolt against Spain. He thought it would be well to 
dispose of Nolan in such a way that he might never be heard 
of again. 

80. Nolan's Second Expedition. — Not knowing of these 
orders, Nolan started again to Texas with a guide, who soon 
deserted him, although he had a son and a nephew in the 
party. * 

81. From JLieutenant Mnsquiz' Journal. — The Span- 
ish officer sent to find Nolan kept a journal in which he wrote 
every day. The diary reads : "" At daybreak I sent four volun- 
teers to the settlement of the Tehuacano Indians, on the Brazos 
liiver, in order that they might bring with them a captain of 
Texas Indians, called El Blanco ["the White"], to show me 
the spot where Nolan was. This warrior refused to give me 
the information. 

'' [March 17. J About eight a.m. I was informed that two 
persons on horseback had been seen, and that they had suddenly 
hidden themselves in a thicket. I sent after them, and they 
were soon before me. They proved to be two Indians. After 
some questions, they informed me that there were in that 
region about twenty-five men with Nolan, all of whom wore 
long beards, and that if I travelled fast, course west, I could 
get to the place about sundown.^' 

They found Nolan between the creek and the hills, in a 
little log fort without a roof. 

The journal continues: ^'^At sunrise, having divided my 
force into three bodies, one commanded by me and carrying 
a four-pounder, I marched on Nolan^s intrenchments. Ten 
men sallied from it, unarmed. Among them was Nolan, who 



■^ He 2;ave as his excuse, afterward, in a statement made to the authori- 
ties at Concordia, that Nohm liad tohl him of ])lans to conquer Texas; that 
he became alarmed at the dans:ers before them and deserted. 



50 



PERIOD OF EXPEDITION'S. 



[1797-1807. 



said in a loud voice, ' l)o not approach, because either one or 
the other will be killed.' " Musquiz ordered his interpreter to 
tell the men that he had come to arrest them, and expected 
them to snrrender, in the name of the King of Spain. Nolan 
had a short talk with the interpreter, William Barr, who told 
Musqniz that Nolan and his men were determined to fight. 
^^ They reentered their intrenchments," Musquiz wrote, "and 
I observed that two Mexicans escaped from the rear of said 
intrenchment. Soon after they joined us, stating that they 
had brought Nolan's carbine, which they handed me. At day- 
break Nolan and his men commenced firing. The fight lasted 

until nine o'clock a.m., 
when, Nolan being 
killed by a cannon ball, 
his men surrendered. 
They were out of am- 
munition. His force 
was composed of four- 
teen Americans, one 
Louisiana Creole, seven 
Spaniards, and two ne- 
gro slaves. His men 
had long beards. 

•^^ After the surren- 
der I learned that they 
had left Natchez with 
supplies for two months, 
and had l)een in the 
woods and prairies of 
Texas over seven 
months, living on horse 
meat. Nolan's negroes asked permission to bury their master, 
which I granted, after causing his ears to be cut off, in order 
to send them to the Governor of Texas." 

The exact spot where Nolan fell is not known, but it is 




ELLIS P. BEAN. 



1797-1807.] PHILIP NOLAN'S EXPEDITIOiq^S. 51 

probably in Joliiisou Comity, on what is now called Nolan 
Creek. The Spanish officer called it the Blanco Kiver. 

Nolan's men were made prisoners and tried as invaders of 
the country. The papers were sent to the King of Spain, who 
ordered that one out of every five should be hung, and the 
others be put to hard labor for ten years. (February 23, 1807.) 
Only nine of them had lived through their long imprisonment, 
and the judge decided that but one should be put to death. 

The prisoners were blindfolded, and knelt before a drum 
and threw dice with a crystal tumbler to decide which one 
should die, the lowest number to decide. The oldest man, 
Ephraim Blackburn, threw three and one, the lowest number. 
He was hung, more than six years after his capture. The 
others were separated ; four were never heard of by their friends. 
Caesar, one of the slaves, was given his liberty. 

82. Ellis P. Bean. — Ellis P. Bean lived to write his own 
romantic story, in which he tells of amusing himself in prison 
by training a white lizard, feeding it with flies. He finally 
escaped and joined the Mexican patriots in fighting against 
Spain, and married a lovely Mexican lady. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 

VIII. — Nolan's Expedition. 

1. How this account was obtained. 

2. Nolan's request of the governor. 

3. His purpose, as he stated it. 

4. What the viceroy thought his purpose was. 

5. The order concerning him. 

6. His second expedition. 

7. His resistance and death, as related by the Spanish officer. 

8. Fate of the prisoners. 

9. Ellis P. Bean's romantic career. 



CHAPTER IX. 

magee's expeditioin^, 1812-1813. 

83. Tlie Leaders of the Expedition. — A force Avas kept 
at Natchitoches to guard, traders and mule trains through the 
neutral ground^ and it found plenty to do. In the United 
States service at this post was Augustus W. Magee^ a native 
of Massachusetts, and graduate of West Point, class of 1809, a 
man of courage, high minded and honorable. 

Magee interested some of the Patriot Mexicans, who were 
driven from Mexico because they wished to free their coun- 
try from Spain, in his j^I'I^t^ to take Texas from Mexico. 
§ 122. 

In order to win Mexicans to the cause, Magee made Ber- 
nardo Gutierrez de Lara nominal commander, and they 
determined to make of Texas an independent republic. 

84. Success at Goliad. — With about three hundred men 
they started for La Bahia, as Goliad was then called. They 
found the place without soldiers, and began to prepare for 
defence. 

The Spaniards heard of Magee's march into the country, 
and thought he would take the old San Antonio road. (See 
map.) They found their mistake, and moved toward La 
Bjihia. After a little skirmishing, the Mexicans brought up 
nine brass cannon. They then decided to starve the for- 
eigners out ; but Magee had found a supply of corn and salt 
in the fort, and by driving in cattle at night had plenty of 
food. 

85. Battle of the White Cow. — During the siege Magee's 



1812-1813.] magee's expeditiok. 53 

men fittempted to capture a white cow which the Spaniards 
were driving up for beef. She ran toward the enemy. Skir- 
mishing followed^ both sides reenforced, the two armies met, 
and a battle that lasted two hours took place. Two hundred 
Mexicans were killed. Magee lost one man killed and six 
wounded. The Mexicans marched away to San Antonio. 

86. Death of Mag-ee. — Magee had been sick with con- 
sumption, and the command had fallen uj^on Colonel Kem- 
per. Magee died at this time, without knowing of their 
victory. 

87. More Volunteers Arrive. — Early in January Magee 
had sent Major Reuben Ross to the East to bring back as 
many volunteers as he could. They consisted of thirty 
Americans, and thirty Cooshattie Indians under their chief, 
whose father was with Magee. AVith all his men, Kemper 
set out to pursue the Spanish to San Antonio. 

The Spaniards called themselves loyalists, as they wished 
to keep Mexico under the royal or kingly power of Spain. 
The Americans were fighting with the Mexicans who were 
opposed to Spain, and took their name of Patriots. 

88. San Antonio Surrenders. — General ITerrera, learn- 
ing of Kemper's approach, marched out with all his force to 
meet him, and took position on the Salado. Kemper decided 
to attack him, and the tap of a drum was to have been the 
signal. The Indians, not understanding the signal, charged 
too soon, and rode furiously into the midst of the enemy. 
The Americans, or Patriots, came up, a general engagement 
followed, and the enemy were routed. Herrera had twenty- 
five hundred men in this battle of Salado. 

The Royalists sent out a flag of truce from San Antonio. 
Colonel Kemper refused all terms except the surrender of the 
Royalist army as prisoners of war. These terms were accepted, 
and the Americans marched into the city, the Royalists at 
the same time marching out, leaving their arms stacked. 

89. Patriot Government set ui). — General de Lara at 



54 PERIOD OF EXPEDITION'S. [1812-1813. 

once set up his Patriot, or republican, government. He felt 
great bitterness toward the officers who had surrendered, and 
obtained possession of fourteen of them by showing an order 
signed by Kemper. The officers, among them Generals 8al- 
cedo, Herrera, and Cordero, were taken to the Salado battle- 
ground by some Mexicans, Avhere, with oue exception, their 
throats were cut. One of the prisoners begged to be shot, and 
his wish was granted. The order was carried out by an 
officer, who was tried and his command taken from him. 

90. Kemper and Others Leave the Army. — This bru- 
tality so filled the Americans with horror and disgust that 
many of them, Kem|)er among them, soon after left the army. 

Major Ross was elected in Kemper's place. But when CJen- 
eral Elisondo appeared on the Alazan Creek, a mile west of 8an 
Antonio, witli three thousand troops, Eoss's wife, who was a 
Mexican woman, heard that his Mexican soldiers were going 
to desert, and warned him of it. lie urged a retreat, which 
the Americans rejected, upon which he and a few others left 
for Louisiana. His place was filled by Colonel Perry. 

91. Another Reiniblican Victory. — Elisondo sent in a 
demand for the surrender of San Antonio, promising that the 
Americans might peacefully go back to their own country, 
but that the Mexicans should be surrendered and held to 
account for the murder of the fourteen S^ianish officers. This 
demand speedily removed any idea of desertion among the 
Mexicans. 

Perry seut a blunt refusal to General Elisondo, and duriug 
the next night cautiously moved out so near to the Spaniards 
that, early in the morning, while they were engaged in morn- 
ing prayers, he burst upon and so completely surprised them 
that their officers could not rally them. The fighting lasted 
four hours, when the Spaniards fled from the field. Elisondo 
barely escaped capture. His loss was four hundred in killed 
and wounded and a large amount of stores. Perry had only 
twenty killed and forty-four wounded. This was partly due 



1812-1810.] magee's expeditiok. 55 

to the superiority of the American rifles over the muskets then 
in use by the Spanish troops. Elisondo retreated across the 
Nueces. 

92. Arrival of Arrecloiido. — General Toledo, a Cuban 
Spaniard, now appeared upon the scene to take command of 
San Antonio. Well knowino^ that the Royalists would not 
give up such an important place as San Antonio, he guarded 
against a surprise. 

General Arredondo, with four thousand troops marched 
from Laredo. West of the Nueces they were joined by Eli- 
sondo and his force. As he drew near San Antonio, his 
scouts reported that General Toledo was marching to meet 
him, whereupon he halted six miles from the Medina, threw 
u]) breastworks in the form of a V with the open space toward 
San Antonio, and placed about six hundred of his men in 
front of it. 

93. Battle of Medina, August 18, 1813.— The Re- 
publican army under Toledo left San Antonio to meet Arre- 
dondo. Crossing the Medina and approaching Arredondo's 
ambuscade, they were opposed by the six hundred troops and 
quickly advanced. The enemy retreated in good order within 
the V until the pursuit became so hot that they turned and 
fled pell-mell, leaving their cannon. Toledo, discovering the 
ambuscade, and seeing the Americans were entering it, ordered 
a retreat. Confusion followed. Kemper, Perry and Man- 
chaca swore there should be no retreat, and advanced rapidly. 
They were soon reeling under destructive fire at close range. 
The Patriot Mexicans fell into a retreat, but the Americans 
and Cooshattie Indians did not flinch. They fought so 
fiercely that Arredondo's cavalry was on the point of retreat- 
ing, when a deserting officer from Toledo's army carried his 
company with him to the enemy. He said that the Ameri- 
cans had been deserted and were fainting from heat and 
thirst. He declared their ammunition was nearly gone and 
their defeat certain. 



56 PERIOD OF EXPEDITIONS. [1812-1813. 

Another furious attack from Arredonclo, and the Ameri- 
cans were compelled to yield. 

94. The Work of Slaiig-liter. — Then the work of slaugh- 
ter began. The bones of the dead were to be seen for many 
years scattered over the battle-field. Most of those who escaped 
from the field were pursued and slain.* Elisondo overtook 
seventy or eighty at Spanish Bluff, on the Trinity, and marclied 
them to a grove. Here a deep ditch was dug for a grave. 
Across this a piece of timber was laid. After tying the pris- 
oners, ten at a time, he had them placed on the beam and 
shot — their bodies falling into the ditch. Several Mexicans 
were among them. 

General Toledo escaped to the United States, and declared 
that, with two thousand such soldiers as the Americans under 
Perry, he could plant the Republican flag in the City of 
Mexico. 

General Arredondo marched into San Antonio with his 
wagons loaded with wounded and dying. He arrested and 
imprisoned the citizens ; among them five hundred women, 
whom he compelled to cook for his army. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 

IX. — Magee's Expedition. 

1. The leaders of the expedition. 

2. Their object. 

3. The different classes of volnnteers. 

4. Success of the army at Goliad. 

5. Death of Magee. 

6. The arrival of more volunteers. 

7. What the two armies called themselves. 



* The bones of the dead were to be seen for several years scattered over 
the battle-ground of the Medina. In 1822 Colonel Felix Trespalaeios, Gov- 
ernor of Texas under Iturbide's rule in Mexico, had the skulls collected and 
interred with nulitary honors. On a large oak tree he placed a tablet with 
this inscription: '•^ Here lie the braves who ^ hnitetihig the immortal example of 
Leonidus, sacrificed their lives a7ul fortunes contending against tyrants.'''' 



1812-1813.] magee's expeditio:^. 57 

8. The entry into San Antonio. 

9. The government set up. 

10. The infamous act of the Spanish officer. 

11. How the Americans showed their disapproval. 

12. Another Republican victory. 

13. The arrival of Arredondo. 

14. His plan for entrapping- the Republicans. . 

15. Battle of the Medina. 

16. Tlie work of slaughter. 

17. Explain the reference to Leonidas. 



CHAPTEE X. 
long's expeditions, 1819-1822. 

95. The Leader of the Expedition. — Dr. James Long 
was a native of Tennessee. He had been a snrgeon in the War 
of 1812. Living on his plantation near Natchez^ which had 
been the headquarters of Nolan, Magee, and other leaders, he 
became imbued with the idea of Americanizing Texas. 

90. Men Who Followed Him. — He fonnd no difficulty 
in drawing to his standard a large number of adventurers. 
He left Natchez with seventy-five men, and very soon his 
force numbered about three hundred. Colonel Samuel Daven- 
port, Bernardo Gutierrez, and other refugees from Texas 
joined him. 

97. Nacog-doches Occupied. — Arriving at Nacogdoches, 
a temporary government was set up. Liberal laws were made. 
A newspaper, edited by Horatio Bigelow, Avas established. 
Texas was declared to be a free and independent republic. 

98. Their Plans for Holding- Texas. — Trading houses 
on the Trinity and at the Falls of the Brazos were established 
by Dr. Long's brother David and Captain Johnson ; a fort 
was built a few miles below the present town of Washington, 
and a blockhouse on Red River. Captain Smith, with forty- 
nine men, was stationed at the Cooshattie village, on the 
Trinity. 

99. Lafitte Rettises to Join Them. §108.— Dr. Long 
sent to Galveston Island to ask Lafitte to join them, but he 
referred to the failure of all previous attempts of the kind 
and declined the invitation. Long then decided to visit 
Lafitte in person, but on reaching the Cooshattie village he 



1819-1822.] long's expeditions. 59 

received the startling news of the advance of a large Eoyalist 
force nnder Colonel Perez. He at once sent word to his wife^ 
who was in Nacogdoches, to recross the Sabine, which she 
promptly did. 

The trading house on the Brazos was surprised ; Johnson 
and ten men were captured. The men at Walker's Camp 
barely escaped to the Cooshattie village. The camp and trad- 
ing post of David Long on the Triiiity were next attacked, and 
he was killed. Such a panic was produced that all — men, 
women, and children — fled across the Sabine into Louisiana. 
Long found Nacogdoches empty, and, as speedily as possible, 
joined the refugees. Perez attacked and compelled Smith, 
with a number of men from the different camps, to retreat to 
Bolivar Point. 

100. Loiig-'s Second Expedition. — As soon as j^ossible. 
Long, with a few followers, took the coast route from Louisi- 
ana and joined his friends under Smith. They began at once 
to build a mud fort. 

To secure additional aid in men and munitions. Long went 
to New Orleans in an open boat, and met, for the first time. 
Colonel Benjamin R. Milam, John Austin, and General Felix 
Trespalacios, who was an exile from Mexico, and Avas trying to 
fit out an expedition to aid his countrymen. An agreement 
was entered into, under which, with three or four small vessels 
loaded with supplies, and having on board Mrs. Long and child 
and a few daring spirits, the adventurers sailed for Bolivar 
Point. 

There it was agreed that Trespalacios, Milam, and Christy, 
with a small force, should sail down the coast to Mexico, and 
try to raise an army with which to move north to join Long 
in an attack upon Goliad. Nothing is known of their move- 
ments until they afterwards arrived in the City of Mexico. 
§103. 

101. Long-'s Success at Goliad. — All things being in 
readiness. Long left Bolivar Point with fifty-two men. His 



60 PERIOD OF EXPEDITION'S. [1819-1822. 

fleet was made up of a schooner and two sloops. They sailed 
up Matagorda Bay, and anchored fifteen miles above the mouth 
of the Guadalupe River. Here Long and his men landed, and 
marched upon Goliad. They reached the town at night, and 
surrounded the fort, and at dawn made their attack, shouting 
the slogan "Repiihliccmos.'^ The garrison soon surrendered. 
Long and his men had quiet possession of the town for three 
days, 

102. Spanish Treachery. — On the morning of the fourth, 
seven hundred troops appeared under Francisco Perez and 
Fernando Rodriguez. The Spanish troops had with them four 
cannon, and attacked Long, but were driven back. The Span- 
ish officers sent in a message saying that they did not wish to 
shed blood, and if Long would surrender, he would be kindly 
treated. Long refused to surrender, and offered to settle the 
contest by a single fight with any man in the Royalist camp. 
It was declined. 

The battle began again, and was kept up for two hours. 
The Royalists sounded a parley, and sent in this message : 
" We have made a mistake ; we thought you were Royalists. 
We are Patriots, too. We wish to receive you as friends. ^^ 

At the end of two days they succeeded in deceiving Long, 
and got him to let them in the fort as friends ; they next per- 
suaded him to lay down his arms. Long, Burns, and John 
Austin were sent to San Antonio as prisoners, and the rest 
were thrown into filthy prisons, then taken to San Antonio. 
In a few days Long and his men were sent to Mexico. In 
the City of Mexico they met Trespalacios and his friends. 

103. Death of Long-, 1821. — Long speedily won friends. 
Trespalacios was appointed Governor of Texas, and showed a 
jealous and hostile spirit toward Long. Entering the old 
Inquisition to visit some public man. Long was shot dead by 
a soldier whom Long^s friends believed to be an assassin hired 
by Trespalacios. 

They left the city, and joined friends in Monterey. It was 



1819-1822.] LOJTG'S expedition's. 61 

agreed to avenge liis death by intercepting Trespalacios on his 
way to Texas. They were betrayed, and MiLam (§ 100), Christy, 
Anstin, and their friends were arrested and taken to a prison 
in the City of Mexico, where they were kept about ten months. 
Other expeditions were organized with the same object in 
view, but they were all unsuccessful. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 

X. — Long's Expedition. 

1. The leader of the expedition. 

2. Number and character of the men that composed it. ' 

3. Their object. 

4. Nacogdoches occupied. 

5. Texas declared to be " a free and independent republic." 

6. Their plans for holding the country, 

7. Lafitte's refusal to join tliem. 

8. Their withdrawal. 

9. The second expedition. 

10. Success at Goliad. 

11. Spanish treachery. 

12. Death of Long. 



CHAPTER XI. 

GALVESTON ISLAND, 1816-1820. 

104. Description of the Island. — Galveston Island was 
formed in process of time by the sea throwing uy> sand and sea- 
shells. Its length was about thirty miles. In width the island 
was from one mile and a half to two miles. It was covered by 
marsh grass along the lower levels and by long prairie grass in 
the higher places. 

In honor of Colonel Galvez, Spanish Governor of Louisiana, 
the island was named Galvez-ton. 

105. Why the Carancahiias Liked it. — It had long been 
a favorite hunting place for the Carancahua Indians, because 
of the quantity of game, being well stocked with deer and wild 
fowl. 

The island had probably been visited by shipwrecked and 
other vessels ; beyond these facts but little was known of 
it before 181G. 

106. Simon Herrera and His Associates. — Seeing what 
a fine port of entry Galveston would be for privateers, Herrera, 
who was the Mexican commissioner of the Patriot party in the 
United States, came with Commodore Louis d'Aury and his 
fleet of twelve vessels, and took possession of the island. He 
raised the Republican flag of Mexico, and made Aury Governor 
of Texas and Galveston Island. The vessels of Commodore 
Perry soon swept Spanish shipping from the Gulf. 

Francisco Xavier Mina, a fine youug Spanish soldier who 
had fought against Napoleon, and other Spaniards and Mexi- 
cans who wished to free Mexico from Spain, met on Galveston 
Island. Companies were formed, and it was thought the 



1816-1820.] 



GALVESTON" ISLAKD. 



63 



ranks would be filled by the people of Mexico. Altogether 
the cause seemed very bright at this time. 

107. Why They Left. — The United States did not recog- 
nize the Kepnblican or Patriot cause in Mexico, and condemned 
Aury and Perry's privateering as piracy, and they soon left 
the island. 

108. Jean Lafitte. — The next to occupy Galveston Island 
was Jean Lafitte, a Frenchman. The family removed from 
France to the West Indies. 

During a revolt of the ne- 
gro slaves, they took ref- 
uge, as many others were 
forced to do, in New Or- 
leans. Jean and his brother 
Pierre were blacksmiths. 

109. How Lafitte 
Looked. — The two broth- 
ers were fitted by nature 
to be leaders of men. 
Jean, especially, was so 
strikingly handsome that 
strangers, meeting him on 
the street, turned for a 
second look at him. 

no. His Business, 
and why it was Broken 
up. — At first they were 
only agents in New Or- 
leans for smugglers who 
brought goods and slaves lafitte. 

into the bays and bayous 

along the coast of Louisiana. At last the two brothers became 
so bold as to build a fort on the island of Barataria. A vil- 
lage grew up around it, and Lafitte became the chief of the 
most lawless band of men that has ever been in this country. 




64 PERIOD OF EXPEDITIONS. [1816-1820. 

At last tlieir whole business was broken up by Commodore 
Patterson of the United States navy. 

111. Lafitte Refuses to Fight against the United 
States. — At that time a war between the United States and 
Great Britain was going on, and Lafitte was offered a commis- 
sion in the British navy. He refused the offer, and tendered 
his services to General Jackson in New Orleans, and in the 
battle of New Orleans acted Avith such bravery, and gave such 
imjDortant assistance, that President Madison granted him full 
pardon for whatever misdeeds he had committed before that 
time. 

112. Laiitte Arrives at Galveston. — The next account 
of Lafitte places him on Galveston Island, just after Aury and 
Mina left. He had letters of marque from the government of 
Venezuela, giving him the right to capture any Spanish vessel 
he might find. He had a number of vessels and a strong fol'ce 
of adventurers.* 

113. Governor Lafitte. — He took the title of Governor 
of Texas under Mexico, and required all persons in the island, 
and the _cap tains and owners of the vessels in the harbor, to 
take an oath in favor of the Republic of Mexico. 

114. How he Lived. — Lafitte built himself a grand 
house in which he lived in fine style, a fort was erected, and 
Lafitte bound himself to pay all of Aury's debts to those living 
on the island. 

115. His Village, 1817. — By this time there were nearly 
one thousand people in the village from different countries. 
Many of them had fled with their families, for various reasons, to 
find refuge and employment in the colony of the pirate chief- 
tain. The United States and Spain complained of Lafitte's 
robberies on the Gulf, but Spain feared the United States 
would claim the island if their navy drove him away, and the 
United States did nothing- for a time. 



* Letters of marque gave a commission to seize an enemy's boats when at sea. 



1816-1820.] GALVESTON ISLAND. 65 

116. Why the United States Interfered in 1820.— 

At last, among other things done by his cruisers, an American 
vessel was taken, plundered and sunk in Matagorda Bay. The 
United States sent to examine into the affair, which ended in 
an armed vessel nnder Lieutenant Kearney being ordered to 
break up Lafitte's establishment at Galveston. 

117. Lafitte's Farewell to Gralveston. — When the gun- 
boat was seen outside, Lafitte crossed the bar to meet it, 
escorted the lieutenant to the Red House, as he called his 
home, and tried, as he well knew how, to overpower him with 
politeness. But the lieutenant had his orders, and Lafitte was 
obliged to yield. 

With his favorite lieutenant, William Cochrane, and sixty 
men, he Avent aboard the Pride; and, the other vessels of his 
fleet being ready, sails were spread to the breeze, and he moved 
out of the harbor, bidding a final farewell to Texas. It is said 
that six years later, in Yucatan, he died and was buried there. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 

XI. — Galveston Island. 

1. Description of the island. 

2. Its early condition. 

3. How it received its name. 

4. Why the Carancahnas liked it. 

5. Other probable visitors. 

6. Ilerrera and his associates. 

7. Their pnrpose in coming to Galveston. 

8. Why they left. 

9. Early life of Lafitte. 

10. His manners and personal appearance. 

11. His business, and how it was broken up by the United States. 

12. How he won pardon from President Madison. 

13. His arrival at Galveston. 

14. Wliat he called himself. 

15. How he lived. 

16. His village. 

17. Why the United States called him to task, 

18. His farewell to Galveston. 

5 



GG PERIOD OF EXPEDITIONS. [1821-1824. 



CHAPTER XII. 

MEXICO GAIN'S HER INDEPENDENCE FROM SPAIN, 1821-1824. 

118. Oppressions of Spain. — After the death of Charles 
V. of Spain, whose rule over Mexico was kind and just, those 
who ruled Spain and her colonies trampled under foot all of 
his wise laws. 

119. Sale of Offices. — Every office, from that of vice- 
roy down, was publicly sold. Care was taken that no native- 
born Mexican, no matter how noble his blood, should hold an 
office. The lowest person could hold important places, provided 
he had been born in Sj^ain, and could become the governor 
of a province if he could ])uy the office. 

120. How Learning- was Held. — Learning was barely 
permitted. It was boldly declared that it was not exidedient 
for learning to 'become general in America. 

Only a few Spanish merchants were allowed to trade in 
Mexico, and the people were obliged to buy of them. 

As they had to pay heavy taxes on every article they 
brought over, their prices were so high that only the rich 
could pay them. Even the grapevines, which had clung to 
the trees of tlie forests, grown in vineyards on the mountain 
sloj^es, and adorned the garden trellises for hundreds of years, 
were grubbed up by the roots, to satisfy the greed of Spanish 
wine merchants. 

The people had been treated in this way for so many years, 
that they did not look for better times, and were devoted to 
the King of Spain in spite of his cruel rule over them. 

121. Beginning- of the Revolution. — When war broke 
out between Spain and France, the Mexican people were in 
favor of Spain, and did not realize that was the time for free- 



1821-1824.] MEXICO GAINS HER II^DEPENDENCE. 67 

ing themselves from that country ; while the Spanish officers in 
Mexico at once tried to make friends of the French, when 
they found France had won in the war with Spain. 

They ordered the people to welcome the messengers from 
France, but their orders were burned, and the people declared 
they would hold Mexico for the King of Spain. 

News from the outside world was slow in reaching Texas. 
It was not known that France was victorious, and the people 
of San Antonio were surprised to see a French general in full 
uniform appear among them. 

He was on his way to Mexico to take command of the armies. 
The commander of San Antonio arrested and sent him to Mex- 
ico. The King of Spain considered the people of Mexico in re- 
bellion, and this was the beginning of the Mexican Revolution. 

122. Royalists and Republicans. — The people were 
divided into two parties : those in favor of a king, or royalty, 
were called Royalists, while those in favor of Mexico becoming 
a free republic were called Republicans or Patriots. § 83. 

123. State of the Country. — There was war and distress 
for many years, which, at last, was partly ended by Mexico 
becoming independent of S^xdn, in 1821. 

There were still revolutions, and the country was in an 
unhappy state until the republican constitution was adopted, 
afterward well known in Texas as the constitution of 1824. 
§§ 144, 171. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 

XII. — Mexico Gains her Independence from Spain. 
1. The oppression of the people. 
3. How the offices were disposed of. 

3. The esteem in which learning was held. 

4. Restrictions on trade. 

5. The beginning of the revolution. 

6. Royalists and Republicans. 

7. State of the country for many years. 

8. Independence gained. 

9. Was the state of the country much improved ? 



68 CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY. [1540-1821. 

CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY. 
Period of Discoveries, Missions, and Expeditions. 

1540. Coronado made the first formal claim to Texas at the Indian vil- 
lage of Ysleta. 

1582. Espejo founded Santa Fe. 

1682. La Salle sailed down the Mississippi to its mouth. 

1685. February 18th, La Salle landed on the coast of Texas. 

1687. March, La Salle was assassinated. 

1689. Alonzo de Leon entered Texas. 

1690. Presidio Mission established. 
1692. San Antonio settled. 

1715. Missions established at La Bahia, Nacogdoches, and Adaes. 
1720. San Jose Mission founded. 
1731. Mission Concepcion founded. 

Arrival of colonists from Canary Islands. 
1734. San Saba Mission founded. 
1758. Missionaries massacred at San Saba. 
1763. Louisiana ceded to Spain. 

1790. Refugio Mission founded — the last mission that was established. 
1793. March 2, Sam Houston born. 

November 3, Stephen F. Austin born. 
1797. Nolan's first expedition. 

1800. Nolan's second cxi)edition. 

1801. March 20, Nolan killed. 
Louisiana ceded back to France. 

1803. Louisiana sold to the United States. 
1806. The "Neutral Ground" designated. 
1810, Beginning of Mexican revolution against Spain. 

1812. Magee's expedition organized. 

1813. April 5, the Republicans entered San Antonio. 

August 18, Republicans totally defeated in the battle of Medina. 

1816. Herrera took possession of Galveston. 

1817. Lafitte arrived at Galveston. 
1819. Long's expedition. 

February 22, Treaty between the United States and Spain, set- 
tling the ownership of Texas. 
1821. Mexico gained her independence of Spain. 
Lafitte left Galveston. 



COLONIZATION PEEIOD, 1820-1835. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Austin's colony, 1820-1824. 

124. Moses Austin, 1767.— The father of Stephen F. 
Austin was born in Connecticut. He and his brother owned 
lead mines in Virginia, which they lost in some business 
trouble. Moses Austin then went to Missouri, while it was a 
part of Louisiana, and worked lead mines there very success- 
fully. Through the failure of a bank in St. Louis, his for- 
tune was again swept away. 

125. His Object in Going to San Antonio. — Having 
lived twenty years in Missouri, he had learned a good deal 
about Spanish laws and customs. As he still had the Spanish 
passport given him when he went to Missouri, he decided to 
go down into Texas and try to establish a colony in that 
almost pathless wilderness. 

126. The Journey. — Travelling on horseback, he made 
the long, dangerous journey to San Antonio, arriving there 
two days before Christmas. 

From an official paper among the Spanish archives in San 
Antonio, it appears that four men reached San Antonio to- 
gether. On the same day they were ordered to go before the 
Governor and give their reasons for comiug into the country. 
(This was very natural, for it was only a short time after 
Long's expedition.) They had to promise on oath to give true 
answers. 

Moses Austin replied that he had come to Texas in the 



70 COLONIZATION PERIOD. [1820-1824. 

hope that he might get land on which to settle his family, and 
raise cotton and sugar. The negro who was with them was his 
slave. 

The Governor asked why he had not nsed his passport 
sooner ; it Avas dated twenty years before. Austin answered 
that he had nsed it in Missouri, which belonged to Spain. 

His answers were satisfactory, and the papers asking for 
his right to plant a colony in Texas were sent on to Mon- 
terey. 

127. Austin Leaves for Home. — Leaving a friend to 
look out for his interests, Austin started home. It is not 
known who travelled with him on that long journey ; it was 
dangerous for any but a number of well-armed men. It is 
known that he took the old Spanish road, from San Antonio 
through ISTacogdoches to Natchitoches. (See map.) 

128. The Route he Selected for his Colony. — It was 
a very wet, cold winter ; the creeks and rivers were swollen 
from rains, and had to be crossed by swimming, or on little 
rafts. Austin had made up his mind, on the way to Texas, 
that if he was given the right to establish a colony he would 
not take families out by the dangerous overland way, but 
through New Orleans. 

He had stopped at Little Rock, Ark., whore his son 
Stephen F. Austin was living (§ 131), and sent him to New 
Orleans to wait till they knew what the answer to his applica- 
tion should be. If it was granted, the son was to have every- 
thing ready to move the colony, by the Gulf, to the Texas 
coast. 

129. Death of Moses Austin, June 10, 1821.— On 
the way home, Austin had taken a very bad cold ; soon after 
reaching his daughter's home at Hazel Eun, Mo., he died of 
pneumonia. 

His dying wish was tbat his son Stephen F. Austin should 
carry out his plans about the colony. 

130. Austin's Application Granted. — A few days 



1830-1824.] Austin's colony. 71 

after Moses Austin left San Antonio, his application was 
granted. When Governor Martinez, of San Antonio, heard 
of it, he sent Erasmo Seguin to let Austin know of his success. 

131. Stephen F. Austin. — At the time of his father's 
death, Stephen F. Austin was twenty-eight years old. He 
had been a prominent man in Missouri for several years, though 
born in Virginia. In 1819 he had removed to Arkansas and 
built a farming depot, where travellers and immigrants could 
rest and get supplies for journeys. A man of education, ex- 
perience, and pure character, he was the very man to have 
charge of a colony in a new country. § 128. 

Hearing in New Orleans that Seguin was on his way, 
Austin went out to meet him at Natchitoches, and there learned 
of his father's death, and of his wish that he should carry out 
his plans. 

When Seguin returned to San Antonio, Austin and four- 
teen companions went with him. They arrived on the first 
day of August, and camped where the old San Antonio road 
crossed the Brazos. (See map. ) The Governor welcomed him 
kindly, recognized him as his father's successor, and showed a 
wish to encourage him. 

132. Austin's Exploring Tour. — In looking for a place 
to locate his colony, Austin explored the country along the 
lower rivers of Texas — the Guadalupe, Lavaca, Navidad, Colo- 
rado, Brazos, and San Jacinto, and the Gulf coast. 

The Governor gave him permission to make his own choice 
of land, and he decided upon this part of the country. 

133. The Terms of Contract. — Austin was given con- 
trol of his colony, and had the right to form militia companies 
to protect it from the Indians, with orders to report from time 
to time at San Antonio. 

134. The Empresarios, or Contractors. — The men who 
got permission from the Mexican Government to bring colonists 
into Texas were called empresarios, or contractors. 

For each one hundred families the empresarios were at first 



72 COLONIZATION PERIOD. [1820-1824. 

given five leagues, equal to 21,140 acres of grazing land, and 
five labors, 885 acres of farming land. It was required that 
the colonists should support the Roman Catholic religion, and 
bring certificates of good character from the civil authorities 
of their own country. 

135. A Friend in Need. — Austin had not money enough 
to carry out his plans. In New Orleans, on his way back from 
Texas, he met his old classmate Joseph L. Hawkins, who had 
the means and the will to help him. 

With the help of this friend, the schooner Lively was sent, 
with a supply of food and farming machinery, to the mouth of 
the Brazos. The supplies were hidden in the bushes and trees 
on the river banks, and the Lively w^nt back to New Orleans. 
Soon afterward the same boat started to Matagorda Bay with 
more supplies and eighteen colonists, but neither boat nor 
passengers were ever heard of. 

136. Austin Forms his Colony. — Austin scattered a 
paper all over the valley of the Mississippi, inviting persons to 
join his colony. Many became interested in it, and about the 
time the Lively started on its last trip Austin left New 
Orleans with the first body of settlers, going by the way of 
Natchitoches. 

137. Arrival of the Colonists, 1822.— They reached 
the Brazos on New Year's Day. Austin went to the coast to 
meet the Lively and get the supplies left hidden on the Brazos. 
He was sorely disappointed to find the Carancahua Indians 
had stolen the supplies, and at last felt sure the LJvely had 
been lost at sea. 

138. The Character of the Colonists. — The families 
and young men of Austin^s colony were of the very best char- 
acter; many were highly educated and refined people. Austin's 
brother, James Brown Austin, and Josiah II. Bell, came soon 
after the first arrived, and many others, who afterward became 
well known in Texas, followed, making their homes in dilferent 
parts of Austin's grant. 



1820-1834.] Austin's colony. 73 

139. Trials of the Colonists. — The scliooner Only Son 
came out loaded with passengers, a number of whom died on 
the way of yellow fever and were buried at sea. Houses had 
to be built, and lumber ^as very scarce ; rough log dwellings 
were made, the cracks filled in with mud. These thick, strong 
walls were a protection against Indians, besides being cool in 
summer and warm in winter. Great fireplaces, where immense 
logs of wood could burn, gave warmth to the family, and any 
traveller who might be with them. 

Game was nearly always plentiful, but had to be hunted 
and brought home. Oftentimes the larder was almost empty, 
especially in times of Indian raids when all were needed for 
fighting ; and sometimes the hunter never came back, but was 
found dead — scalped by the Indians. 

Letters from friends and dear ones in the old home places 
were two or three months old when received. There was no 
postal law between the United States and Mexico then. Mail 
was carried by whoever happened to be going anywhere. 

In those days calico was seventy-five cents a yard, and no 
money to buy it with. Buckskin suits were worn by the men 
and boys, sometimes by the women and children. 

Illness, homesickness, and loneliness were patiently borne 
by those brave men and women, while through it all the cruel 
Indians kept up a warfare that cost them many heartaches and 
noble lives. 

Living in this desolate, lonely way made the hearts of the 
people warm toward all human beings ; a stranger was as sure 
of a welcome in one of those rude log houses as in his father's 
home. The coff'ee-pot was always ready for a cheering cup for 
whoever needed it. 

140. Why Austin went to Mexico. — Having gone thus 
far in bringing colonists to Texas, Austin thought it right to 
report to the Governor at San Antonio ; he went there with 
his brother and several companions. Greatly to his surprise 
and disappointment, he was told that, owing to changes in 



74 COLONIZATIOK PERIOD. [1820-1824. 

the government of Mexico, lie would have to go to the City 
of Mexico and get his grant renewed. 

Leaving Josiah H. Bell as his agent, Austin left San An- 
tonio, on horseback, and made the trip to the City of Mexico, 
a distance of twelve hundred miles, in thirty-six days. 

141. An Incident of his Jonrney as told by Mrs. 
Holley, 1836. — " On the morning of the second day from 
San Antonio, Austin had a severe headache, and felt that he 
must have some coffee. 

" His companions warned him of the danger if the Indians 
should see the smoke from their fire, and begged him not to 
try making the coffee. 

" They were on a large prairie, and could see for many miles 
around. No living creature but themselves was in view. 
Austin went into a ravine to make the fire. AVhen in the 
act of putting the coffee to his lips, he heard a sound like 
the trampling of many horses. Kaising his head, with the 
coffee yet untasted, he beheld in the distance fifty mounted 
Comanches, with their spears glittering in the morning sun, 
dashing toward him at full speed. 

^' In an instant he was surrounded. He sprang to his feet, 
but knew that one against so many was in vain. The plunder 
commenced. Austin's presence of mind did not forsake him. 
He stood on his saddle-bags to protect them. 

'' Pretending not to feel any fear, he went to the chief 
and said he Avas an American, and asked if their nation was 
at war with the Americans. ' No,' was the reply. ' Do you 
like the Americans ? ' 'Yes, they are our friends.' 'Where 
do you get your spear-heads, your blankets, etc. ? ' ' (Jet 
them from the Americans.' 'Well, do you think if you 
were passing through their nation, as I am through yours, 
they would rob you as you have robbed me ? ' The chief 
thought for a little while and replied, ' No, it Avould not 
be right.' Then he made his people return all the things 
taken. 



1820-1824.] Austin's colony. 75 

" Every article of value came back except the saddle-bags. 
Austin feared he would never see them again, until he saw^, in 
a thicket at a little distance, a squaw, one of the trumpeters, 
kicking and whipping her horse to make him move off, but the 
animal would not stir a step from the other horses. The Gen- 
eral (Austin) instantly pursued the female robber, and, thanks 
to her restive mustang, rescued his property, which was hidden 
under her. The Indians then wheeled off, and were seen no 
more. A Spanish grammar that Austin carried tied to his 
saddle-bow, that he might study as he rode along, was miss- 
ing. It was afterward found among the Indians by some 
traders, and, having the owner's name in it, a report spread 
abroad that he had been killed by the Comanches. The news 
reached the ears of his mother and sister in Missouri, and it 
was many months before they learned that he had made the 
long journey in safety.'' 

After many tiresome delays, Austin succeeded in getting his 
grant renewed, in April, 1823. Two weeks later he started 
back, and reached Texas in July. 

142. San Felipe cle Austin, — Austin laid out the capital 
of his colony on a beautiful prairie bluff' on the west bank of 
the Brazos. De la Garza, the Governor of Texas, gave it the 
name of San Felipe de Austin. San Felipe was for his own 
patron saint ; the name of Austin was added as a graceful com- 
pliment to the empresario, Stephen F. Austin. 

143. Growth of tlie Colony, 1824.— A few of the col- 
onists became tired of waiting while Austin was away, and left 
for the Eed River country ; more came in, however, and this 
year about two hundred and forty-seven titles to land had been 
made out. 

144. Government of the Colony. — Austin had been 
given full power to control the affairs of his colony, and was 
made lieutenant-colonel of the home com2:)anies, under the 
commanding general of the province. A new constitution 
had been adopted in Mexico (§ 173), with good colonization 



76 COLONIZATION PERIOD. [1820-1834. 

laws, which gave the colonists great confidence;, and they were 
very much encouraged. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 
XIII. — Austin's Colony. 

1. The birth of Moses Austin. 

2. How he lost two fortunes. 

3. His object in going to San Antonio. 

4. The journey. 

5. His reception. 

6. His departure for home. 

7. The route by which he expected to bring the colonists. 

8. His death. 

9. His dying wish. 

10. The result of his application. 

11. Stephen F. Austin's early life, education, and character. 

13. His exploring tour. 

18. The location of his grant. 

14. The terms of the contract. 

15. The Spanish name for contractor. 

16. The authority of the contractor. 

17. A "friend in need." 

18. The Lively. 

19. The formation of the colony. 
30. Arrival of the colonist. 

21. The kind of people they were. 
33. Their trials. 

33. Why Austin had to go to Mexico. 

34. Relate the incident of his journey told by Mrs. Holley. 

35. The final success of his mission. 

36. San Felipe de Austin. 

37. Growth of the colony. 

38. Government of the colony. 



1825-1827.] EDWARDS' COLOKY. 77 



CHAPTER XIV. 

EDWARDS' COLONY, 1825-1827. 

145. The Locjition of the Grant.— When Stephen F. 
Austin was in the City of Mexico h)oking after his grant 
(§ 140), several others were there on the same business, among 
them Had en Edwards,* 

Unfortunately his land included the old settlement of 
Nacogdoches, on verge of the old neutral ground (§§ 75, 76), 
and was next to where the Cherokees and other United States 
Indians had been settling for a few years. There were persons 
scattered over the country, too^ who claimed they had earlier 
grants than his. 

146. Trouble with Other Colonies. — After getting his 
grant, Edwards returned to the United States, and made great 
preparations to bring out families, and spent a great deal of 
money in doing so. 

He found that many Spanish claims were being made to 
his lands, because they were beginning to become more valuable. 

Edwards knew that he must respect all lawful claims. He 
gave notice to all who held real titles to grants to show them, 

* The Edwards brothers were natives of Kentucky, but were at this time 
residents of Mississippi, and wealthy planters. They belon^-ed to a family 
members of which have been distinguished for talent and public service in 
Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, and Texas. Benjamin W. Edwards re- 
turned from Texas to Mississippi, where he died about 1S45, a few days after 
his election as Governor of that State. Haden Edwards had thirteen children, 
most of whom became permanent settlers in Nacogdoches and other parts of 
the State. A daughter was the wife of Frost Thorn, temporarily associated 
with De Witt. 



78 COLOIflZATION PERIOD. [1825-1827. 

that the true ones might be respected and the false thrown out. 
The dishonest men made more trouble, and the Mexican 
officers decided against the Americans in nearly every case. 

147. The Appeal to the Governor. — Edwards wrote to 
the Chief at San Antonio, and told of his progress ; he also 
complained of the way some of the Mexicans had behaved. The 
Chief answered in an angry letter. Soon afterward, JTaden 
Edwards visited the United States^, leaving his brother, Ben- 
jamin W. Edwards, to act in his place. Benjamin wrote to 
Stephen E. Austin, at San Eelipe, telling of their troubles. 
Austin advised him to write to the Governor, Victor Blanco, 
and let him know the true state of affairs. 

This Edwards did, fully and fairly. The Governor 
answered, saying he had heard of everything from the Mexican 
side, and ended his letter by saying that Edwards' grant had 
been taken from him, and ordering the Edwards brothers to 
leave the country. 

148. The Alliance with the Indians. — Before the 
Governor's letter was received lladen Edwards came back 
from the United States. It caused great bitterness of feeling, 
T'he Mexicans began to claim all the fine lands held by the 
Americans. Edwards tried to keep his friends as quiet and 
patient as possible while he explained matters to the Govern- 
ment, still hoping that justice would be done them. He had 
spent about fifty thousand dollars, and could not afford to be 
rash. 

All appeals for justice failed, and the colonists determined 
to defend their rights. The Cherokee Indians were angry 
because the Mexican Government would not let them have 
land to settle on. The colonists made up their minds to unite 
with the Cherokees against the Mexicans. 

149. The " Fredonian War." — They determined to make 
Texas a republic, free from Mexico, and give it the name of 
Fredonia. They called themselves '' Fredonians."' They had 
two hundred fighting men. 



1835-1827.] EDWARDS' COLOiq"Y. 79 

In December, 1825, John Dnnn Hunter, chief of the 
Cherokees, and the chiefs of other tribes associated with them, 
came in to sign a treaty with tlie colonists, which was called a 
league. 

They were to divide Texas into two parts by a line north of 
Nacoo-doches, running east and west, across the country. All 
north of the line was to belong to the Indians, all south of it 
to the Americans. 

150. Other Colonies Refuse to Join the Freclonians. 
— None of the other colonies were willing to join in the 
Fredonian war, and urged that the idea be given up, as they 
did not wish Mexico to have ugly feelings toward them. When 
Edwards' colony found the Mexicans were marching to attack 
them, they sent runners for the Cherokees to come to their aid. 
Ellis P. Bean (§ 77), who was in command of the Mexicans, had 
already promised all they had before asked for. He turned them 
against their two faithful chiefs. Hunter and Fields. AVhen 
these brave men begged them to stand true to the Americans, 
they were murdered by their tribes. The Indians were already 
flocking to join the Mexicans. 

The Fredonians found they could not defend themselves ; 
they gave up Nacogdoches and went into Louisiana. This put 
an end to the war. 

151. The Result of the War. — The rights of Americans 
had been insulted by the Mexicans, and, though they did not 
want war, this trouble set thoughtful minds to thinking of the 
future. 

These lands were afterward granted to Empresarios David 
G. l^urnet, Lorenzo de Zavala, and Joseph Velilin, and were 
bought by New York men for speculation. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 

XIV. — Edwards' Colony. 

1. The location of the grant. 

3. The trouble with other settlers. 



80 COLONIZATION PERIOD. [1825-1837. 

3. How these disputes were usually decided. 

4. The appeal to the Governor. 

5. His answer. 

6. The alliance with the Indians. 

7. The " Fredonian War." 

8. Why called by this name. 

9. What colonies refused to join the Fredonians ? 
10. The result of the war. 



1825-1834.] OTHER COLONIES. 81 



CHAPTER XV. 

OTHER COLONIES, 1825-1834. 

152. Martin cle Leon's Colony, 1825-1829.— De 

Leon, a Mexican, was given the right to bring forty-one fami- 
lies to the Gnadalnpe Kiver. It was two years before he could 
have his claim, and the families well settled. 

The colony increased rapidly. He was then allowed to 
bring out one hundred and fifty more Mexican families, and 
to extend his land to the coast. 

153. Capital of De Leon's Colony. — De Leon called the 
capital of his colony Guadalupe Victoriji, in honor of the old 
Patriot chief and first presideut of Mexico. 

154. I>e Witt's Colony, 1825.— Green de Witt, of 
Missouri, had the right to settle four hundred families west of 
Austin's colony, and north of De Leon's. (See map.) He was 
in the City of Mexico asking for his grant when Austin and 
Haden Edwards were. § 123. De AVitt felt so sure that the 
grant would be given him that he commenced making his 
plans to bring out families before he received the papers. 

155. Location of the Orant. — James Kerr was surveyor 
of the colony, and had charge of it when De Witt was absent. 
He surveyed the ground and built log cabins a mile west of 
the present town for the capital, and named it Gonzales in 
honor of the first Governor of Ooahuila and Texas. Each 
capital was allowed four leagues of land. 

156. An Unfortnnate Fourth of July. — During the 
absence of Kerr, ^'Deaf " Smith, and other men, a party went 
to attend a Fourth of July celebration sixty miles away. They 
were attacked by Indians, their horses stolen, and they walked 

6 



82 COLONIZATION PEEIOD. [1825-1834. 

back to find the cabins deserted and robbed, and a dead man 
lying in the hallway of one of them. A message written over 
the door told the absent ones where to find those who had been 
left behind, now gone to the Colorado. 

157. Chang-es in the Colony. — After these Indian trou- 
bles, the colony moved to the Lavaca Eiver and built block- 
houses for defense against the Indians. The little fort was 
called " Old Station." Later De Witt and others returned to 
Gonzales. 

This part of the country was to become the Lexington 
of Texas seven years later, in the revolution against Mexico. 
§ 198. 

158. Sterling- C. Robertson's Grant. — For years Eob- 
ertson had trouble and anxiety over his grant, spending much 
time and money to make it a success, fearing all the time that 
he would lose it. The courts finally decided in his favor, and 
the lands were given to him and his settlers. 

In all there were twenty-six grants to settle colonies made ; 
but many came to nothing, or the colonies only lasted a short 
time, the colonists going back or joining others. 



1824-1836.] GI.OWTH OF THE COLONIES. 83 



CHAPTER XVI. 

GROWTH OF THE colo:n^ies, 1824-1836. 

159. The Union of Coahuila and Texas, 1824.— By 

an act of the Mexican congress, the two provinces of Coahuila 
and Texas were united into one state, until Texas should have 
people enough to hecome a separate state. 

The Governor of Coahuila and Texas appointed an officer, 
called Chief of the Department of Texas, who was to live in 
San Antonio and report to him in Saltillo, which was the 
capital. 

IGO. The Union not Liked. — All the valuable papers of 
Texas were moved from San Antonio to the new capital. The 
distance was too great for business to be attended to j^romptly, 
as all travelling was done on horseback. The new Chief was 
prejudiced against Americans. 

161. The State Colonization Law of 1825.— This law 
was passed by the first congress of Coahuila and Texas, declar- 
ing that they wished above all things to bring more people 
into the country, cultivate the soil, and encourage the arts 
and sciences. 

162. The Effect of this Law. — Under the new state 
law immigrants flocked into Texas. Austin obtained leave to 
bring out five hundred families, making in all twelve hun- 
dred introduced into Texas by him. 

The desire to settle in the new country spread in the 
Southern and Western States. Among the men who came in 
the next two years were David G. Burnet, William II. Wharton, 
Henry Smith, and many others who became noted in Texas 



84 



COLONIZATION PERIOD. 



[1824-1836. 



history. A few from the Northern Stfdes heard of the 
beautiful new country and came to make tlieir homes in it. 

163. Character of the People. — None but j^ersons of 
good character were allowed to join Austin's colony, and other 
empresarios tried to be as careful as he. 

AVhile there were a few ignorant and wicked men among 

them, nearly all 
were honest men 
who thought they 
could find better 
homes on the 
grand prairies or 
in the rich river 
bottoms of Texas 
than their old 
ones. 

The Austins, 
Edwards, Milam, 
and many others 
were men of fine 
education and ele- 
gant manner. 
Naturally, their 
friends were 
among the best 
in the land. 
Though many 
were poor and some rough in their ways, nearly all were honest. 
The new houses were often with only a curtain at the door- 
way. The corn-cribs, and smoke-houses where they cured 
their meats by smoking them, were safe without keys. If a 
thief, or any one who had committed a crime, was found, his 
punishment Avas so severe as to make those who wished to do 
wrong tremble with fear. Indians were usually the guilty 
ones. 




FORT ON THE BORDER. 



1824-1836.] GROWTH OF THE COLONIES. 85 

164. Their Miiimer of Living, 1836.— Mrs. Holley 
wrote : ^"^ All are happy, because busy ; and none meddle with 
the affairs of their neighbors, because they have enough to do 
to take care of their own." 

Their houses were usually of logs, though a few were frame 
and of brick. Furniture was generally homemade, though 
some sent to the United States for what they needed. 

Vegetables, beef, pork, venison, fowls, butter, eggs, milk, 
etc., with tea and coffee, were plentiful after the first few 
years ; but many hard times were passed before these comforts 
could be had. 

165. How the Chiklreii were Educated. — There were 
a few schools with good teachers after there were enougli chil- 
dren in one settlement to make it necessary. Those who were 
able sent their sons and daughters back to the United States 
until they were educated. De Witt left his daughter at school 
when he moved his family. Children were taught when pos- 
sible, but many grew up with very little l)ook learning. 

Plans for public schools were made, but it was many years 
before there were any but little neighborhood schools. 

There were a number of college-bred men in the colonies, 
and they could be of great help to their boys and girls. In 
San Antonio de Bexar there was, in 1830, only one American 
teacher, with a salary of twenty-five dollars a month. 

166. The Population of Texas in 1836.— There was 
no way of finding the actual number of people in Texas. It 
was thought that in 1831 there were twenty thousand, and in 
1836 fifty thousand, but the true figures cannot be given. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 

XV. — Other Colonies. 

1. De Leon's colony. 

a. Location of the grant. 
h. The number of families. 

c. Their nationality. 

d. The capital of the colony. 



86 COLOKIZATION PERIOD. [1824-1836. 

2. De Witt's colony. 

a. Location of the grant. 
h. The capital of the colony. 

c. An unfortunate Fourtli of July. 

d. Changes in the colony. 

3. Other grants. 

XVI. — Growth of the Colonies. 

1. The union of Texas and Coahuila. 

2. Why the Texians did not like this union. 

3. The State colonization law. 

4. The effect of this law. 

. 5. What kind of people did the con tnic tors try to select for their 
colonies ? 

6, Why locks and keys were not needed. 

7. How criminals were treated. 

8, Describe the houses. 

9. The furniture. 

10. Name one reason why the people were liappy. 

11. How the children were educated. 

12. The population of Texas in 1836. 



1830.] MISTREATMEKT OF THE COLOKlES. 87 



CHAPTER XVII. 

MISTREATMENT OF THE COLONIES, 1830. 

167. The United States Offer to Buy Texas.— An 

offer of one million dollars for Texas was made by the United 
States. The Mexicans thought the Texians wished the sale to 
be made ; the offer was refused. The Mexicans were already 
as near to their American neighbors as they wished to be. 

Guadalupe Victoria, the purest of all Mexican chiefs, had 
been President of Mexico and a friend to the colonies in Texas. 
His term was over and a new President elected. Before he 
could be placed in office, Santa Anna and Lorenzo de Zavala 
got up a revolution against him and made their candidate 
President, with Bustamente as Vice-President. He, in his 
turn, made himself President. 

168. Bustamente's Decree, April 6, 1830. — Busta- 
mente^ was a man without any good j^rinciples, and with a 
bitter hatred for foreigners. It fell to him to adopt a meas- 
ure which led Texas to withdraw from the Mexican union. 

This usurper and tyrant issued a remarkable decree, odious 
ill many respects. The eleventh article of that decree for- 
bade North Americans coming into Texas. 

This spread gloom over the colonies, as there were many 
parts of families, who, coming in advance, had been prepar- 
ing for the arrival of others ; there was no time to turn back 
those on the way, or warn those on the eve of starting, after 
selling their homes. It was impossible to really carry out 
the decree, because of the number of soldiers it would have 
taken. 



88 COLONIZATION PERIOD. [1830. 

169. Trade with the United States Forbidden.— 

The colonists were ordered to buy their supplies from Mexico ; 
no more trading should be done with the United States, nor 
could the colonists sell things to one another. Taxes were put 
on everything connected with the colonies, and soldiers sent to 
collect the taxes. 

170. Mexican Soldiers Quartered in Texas. — The 
colonists complained of the burden which feeding so many 
soldiers was to them. Three hundred and fifty, under Piedras, 
were sent to Nacogdoches. A fort was built at Anahuac, on 
Galveston Bay, under Captain Bradburn, an American in the 
Mexican service. There were more soldiers sent to VeLasco, 
San Antonio, Goliad, and at Fort Teran on the Neches Kiver. 
The Mexican soldiers had great contempt for the colonists, 
and soon began, with some exceptions, to behave in the most 
insolent and domineering manner. 

171. Arrests at Anahuac. — Bi-adburn arrested and put 
in prison, in his fort at Anahuac, seventeen Americans — 
William B. Travis, P. C. Jack and Samuel T. Allen among 
them— and refused to tell why he had done so. William H. 
Jack came from San Felipe de Austin and demanded tlie re- 
lease of the prisoners, or that they be turned over to the courts 
for trial. Bi-adburu said that they were to be sent to a prison 
on the island of San Juan de Ulloa, near Vera Cruz. Their 
friends knew that meant years of prison life for them. 

172. An Efl'ort to Release the Prisoners. — William 
Jack called on the Americans to help rescue his brother and 
the other prisoners. Messengers were sent over the country, 
and great alarm felt. 

A company was formed. On the way to Anahuac they 
took twenty of Bradburn's cavalry pi'isoners. When they 
reached the fort, Bradburn told them that he was not in 
command any longer ; a friend of Santa Anna's, Souverin, 
had been put in his place. 

The Americans at that time had perfect faith in General 



1830.] MISTREATMENT OF THE COLONIES 89 

Santa Anna, and felt sure Sonverin would release the prisoners. 
In a few days the Mexicans offered to exchange prisoners ; 
the Texians agreed, and at once released their twenty Mexi- 
can prisoners, and sent men to receive their friends in return. 
The Mexicans not only refused to give them up, but fired on 
the men who had been sent for them. The Texians went out 
to welcome their friends, and met the men coming back with- 
out them. They returned to camp, and decided not to try 
taking Fort Anahuac without cannon. 

Bradburn sent to Nacogdoches after Colonel Piedras, who 
arrived at this time. After examining into the matter, he 
released the prisoners and arrested Bradburn. The armed 
colonists gladly went home. 

173. The Turtle Bayou Resolutions. — After Bradburn 
had refused to give up the prisoners, the Texians fell back to 
Turtle Bayou and passed resolutions against Bustamente and 
his laws, but promising to stand by Santa Anna, who at this 
time was doing noble work for his country, and had the re- 
spect and faith of the colonists. 

John Austin and Henry S. Brown were sent out to raise 
companies to go to Anahuac. The prisoners were released 
after they had started, and there was no way to let them hear 
of it. They aroused the people of Brazoria, got a boat and 
some cannon, and started for Anahuac. 

174. Fig'lit tit Velaseo. — Ugartechea refused to let them 
pass his fort at the mouth of the Brazos. The Texians had 
one hundred and twelve men, and determined to force their 
way by the fort. They camped near Fort Velaseo, and waited 
two or three days to collect guns and provisions. The good 
priest Michel Muldoon, who was much respected by every one, 
tried to get Ugartechea to let the colonists pass, but came back 
disappointed. He told John Austin that the Mexican was 
sure that ten thousand men could not drive him from his fort. 
Austin replied : ^' Very well. Padre ['' father ''] ; wait until to- 
morrow, and you will see.'" Dividing their men into three 



90 COLONIZATION PERIOD. [1830. 

companies, they made the attack — two by land, under Austin 
and Brown ; one on the boat, under William J. Russell. From 
holes burrowed in the sand, and from behind driftwood, the 
Texian riflemen fired with such true aim at the heads of the 
Mexicans, whenever they could be seen over the walls, that 
the gunners tried raising their caps with their hands and firing 
over the walls without showing their heads ; but the keen-eyed 
riflemen sent bullets through their hands and arms. The 
Mexicans then raised their caps on ramrods barely in view ; 
they were riddled with bullets. 

The schooner did good work. Its mate, who was not a cit- 
izen of Texas, and did not wish to fight on either side, stayed 
in the cabin making cartridges. A cannon-ball from the fort 
entered, and drove a pillow through his body. 

A negro sailor stayed on deck, firing a blunderbuss on his 
own account, and singing boatmen's songs as gayly as though 
at a frolic. 

Austin sounded a parley and demanded the surrender of 
the fort, which was obeyed, the Mexicans having two-thirds 
of their men dead or wounded. 

Ugartechea asked that his men be allowed to keep their 
side-arms (pistols and swords), and to leave the country peace- 
fully, all of which was granted. 

Of the colonists, seven were killed and twenty-seven 
wounded. Crowned with victory at Velasco, they expected 
to move on to Anahuac, but, before reaching there, heard of 
the release of the prisoners, and all left for their homes. 

175. Tlie Colonists Look to Santa Anna. — Santa Anna 
had pronounced himself against Bustamente, and in favor of 
the constitution of 1824 (§ 144), and was then looked upon 
by his friends as one of the purest of patriots. The Texians 
hailed with joy and hope the steps he had taken in Mexico. 
The news did not reach them until they had taken up arms 
against Bradburn at Anahuac (§ IGO) ; when it did come they 
pledged themselves to stand by the Mexican constitution as 



1830.] 



MISTREATMENT OF THE COLONIES. 



91 



upheld by the well-deserving 'patriot Antonio Lopez de Santa 
Anna. 

170. The Texians Deiuaiid Nacogdoches. — It was 

decided that the commander at Nacogdoches, Colonel Jose de 
las Piedras, who was personally a great friend of the people, 
must either declare for Santa Anna or leave Texas. But the 
commanders of all the Texas forts were devoted to Busta- 
mente. Colonel Piedras 
gave them a polite though 
positive No for an answer. 

177. The Fight at 
Nacogdoches. — U nder 
John W. Bullock, about 
three hundred Texians 
camped a little east of Na- 
cogdoches ready for a fight. 
During the night families 
left the town for safety. 

On the next day the 
Texians marched into the 
suburbs, inviting an attack ; 
none being made, they 
moved into the town, where 
a fight took place. The 
Mexican alcalde was acci- 
dentally killed by his own 
countrymen. The Texians 
fired from houses and behind fences, and it was kept up till 
night, when Piedras retreated on the road to San Antonio. 
(See map.) 

Colonel James Bowie, who had come up in the night, 
headed a party to out-travel Piedras and get in front of him, 
while the main body followed in the rear. Bowie succeeded. 
Seeing that he was bound to yield, and still determined not to 
desert his chief Bustamente, Piedras gave up his command to 




.JAMEt< BOWIE. 



92 COLONIZATION PERIOD. • [1830. 

the next in rank, Fnincisco Medina, who at once dechired for 
Santa Anna and submitted to the colonists — really as prison- 
ers. By agreement, Bowie escorted the men to San Antonio. 
Piedras was taken to Velasco, and returned to Mexico. 

178. General Jose Antonio Mexiti's Mission. — 
Having heard of the excitement of the 'colonists, Santa Anna 
sent General Mexia, with a fleet of vessels and four hundred 
men, to sail up the coast to Texas and find out the facts in 
the case. When General Mexia reached Matamoras, Stephen 
F. Austin was there on his way home from attending the 
legislature in Saltillo, and went on with him to the mouth of 
the Brazos. 

The Mexican general was given a full account of the 
troubles following the decree of Bustamente and the behavior 
of Bradbui'n. lie was told of the uprising of the peo})le and 
their successes at Velasco and Nacogdoches ; also of the 
Turtle Bayou resolutions in favor of Santa Anna (§ 173). 
Mexia was assured that the Americans in Texas looked upon 
Santa Anna as a patriot, and hoped to find in him a savior of 
the country. He seemed pleased with what he heard, and 
great joy was felt. A ball w^as given to the general and his 
officers, and the fleet sailed away. The affairs of Texas looked 
much brighter, on the surface. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 
XVII. — Mistreatment of the Colonies. 

1. The offer from tlie United States. 

2. What Mexico thought of it. 

3. Bustamente's decree. 

4. How it was a hardship on the colonists. 

5. Why it was not strictly enforced. 

6. Restrictions on trade. 

7. Mexico's reasons for quartering soldiers in Texas. 

8. The behavior of the soldiers. 

9. The arrests at Anahuac. 

10, The demand of the colonists. 



1830.] MISTREATMENT OF THE COLONIES. 93 

11. Bradburn's answer. 

12. The effort to release the prisoners. 

13. The " Turtle Bayou Resolutions." 

14. The vessel from Brazoria. 

15. The fight at Velasco. 

♦ 16. Why the Texians did not proceed to Anahuac. 

17. How Santa Anna was by this time regarded by the colonists. 

18. The " Constitution of 1824." 

19. The demand of the Texians at Nacogdoches. 

20. The fight at Nacogdoches, and how it ended. 

21. General Mexia and his mission. 



94 COLON^IZATION PERIOD. [1832-1833. 



CHAPTEK XVIII. 

THE CONVENTIONS OF 1832-1833. 

179. TVliy a Convention Avas Called. — There were 
wise men in Texas, well read in history, and they knew that 
the hxw forbidding Americans to come into Texas was still a 
law of the Mexican nation ; that Bustamente was still in 
power. They realized there was such a difference between the 
Americans and the people of Mexico that there could never 
be a peaceful union with them. The only way, they thought, 
was to make Texas a separate state of Mexico. They did not 
wish, at that time, to take Texas from Mexico. 

180. First Convention, October 1, 1832. — Soon after 
General Mexia left, a call was made by the two alcaldes of 
Austin's colony, Horatio Chriesman of San Felipe, and John 
Austin of Brazoria, to meet in a convention that would be 
held in San Felipe. Fifty-six delegates were elected in their 
different districts, and met in San Felipe. Stephen F. Austin 
was elected president of the convention. 

181. The Work of the First Convention. — Several 
petitions, or papers making requests, were written and sent on 
to the City of Mexico. 

The most important petitions were that Texas be allowed 
to become a separate state, and that Americans be permitted 
to come into the country. 

182. Letters of Austin and the Mexiean Officers. — 
The Chief at San Antonio wrote 2:>leasantly to Stephen F. 
Austin in regard to the meeting at San Felipe, but, at the 
same time, sent a letter to the Governor at Saltillo, which was 
very bitter against the Americans. Another letter informed 



1832-1833.] THE CON"VEN'TIONS. 95 

Stephen F. Austin that a convention was unlawful, and 
hinted at punishment. Austin wrote dignified and patriotic 
answers. In one letter he said : '' I have but little hope of 
obtaining anything from the Government of Mexico, and I 
give it as my deliberate judgment that Texas is lost if she 
take no measure of her own for her welfare." 

The Chief in San Antonio wrote to his Governor that " it 
was in violation of all law and duty that the meeting took 
place." 

The Mexicans knew that in Mexico any meeting of the 
people meant a revolution, and could not understand the 
peaceful intentions of the Americans. 

183. Saiitii Anna's Opinion. — Santa Anna, who had 
been the idol of tlie colonists, wrote of them as "^foreigners 
who had introduced themselves into the country," and said he 
believed they wished to declare themselves free from Mexico, 
and advised that General Vicente Filisola be sent with an 
army to Texas to settle matters. He acknowledged that the 
colonists had done good service in Texas and had not been 
well treated, and he feared they might become so angry as to 
make it hard to restore order among them. 

Many Mexicans thought the United States at the bottom 
of the trouble, as they had three times tried to buy the 
country. 

184. No Answer to the Petitions. — The colonists 
knew nothing of the letters sent back and forth between the 
Mexican oflficials, and thought that on account of the revolu- 
tion of Santa Anna against Bustamente, Mexico was in such an 
excited state that their petitions had been laid aside and for- 
gotten ; so they decided to have another meeting. 

185. Second Convention.— William II. Wharton was 
president of the second convention. Samuel Houston, who 
had come to Texas a short time before, was a member. 

A long memorial was written to the Mexican congress, ask- 
ing, first, for the adoption of the constitution, which a com- 



96 



COLONIZATION" PERIOD. 



[1832-1833. 



mittee was appointed to draft, and the erection of Texas into 
a state of the Mexican union, telling of the evils and injustice 
to Texas in her being joined to Coahuila. 




SAM HOUSTON. 



Secondly, for the repeal of the decree forbidding Americans 
to come into Texas. 

Other favors were asked, but the first two Avere the most 
important. 

Three men were to take the petitions to the City of Mexico 
— Stephen F. Austin, Erasmo Seguin, and James B. Miller ; 
but Austin was the only one who went on the mission. 



1832-1833.] 



THE CONVENTIONS. 



97 



186. Austin's Journey to Mexico, 1833. — About the 
1st of October, Austin started on his long journey. From 
Matamonis he wrote back to Brazoria, saying he thought 
Santa Anna had a brotherly feeling for Texas, and he felt 
sure all would be well. But Austin knew nothing of the 
hostile feelings of Santa Anna and other Mexican officers to- 
ward Texas, or he would not have started on such an errand. 

In April Santa Anna had become President of Mexico, and 
the time had come for him to show his true character. 

187. Austin's Efforts in Behalf of Texas.— Through 
General Filisola, Colonel Austin had forwarded the papers 
from the Rio Grande, and they were in the hands of the 
Government when he 

reached the City of Mexico. 
The city was in a gen- 
eral tumult when Austin 
arrived, made worse soon 
after by the Asiatic cholera, 
from which ten thousand 
people died in the capital 
alone. If Austin had fled 
for home, his countrymen 
would not have blamed 
him. 

188. Lorenzo cle Za- 
vala. — -With the aid of 
Zavala, who was a warm 
and true friend to Texas, 
Austin was able to have 
Bnstamente's decree re- 
pealed, which was a great 
relief. 

Nothing was done about the other petitions, and tlie signs 
were that Santa Anna intended ruling with an iron hand. 

189. Austin's Arrest and Tniiirisonment. — On De- 

7 




LORENZO DE ZAVALA. 



98 COLONIZATION" PERIOD. [1832-1833. 

cember 10th Austin left for his home feeling sure that Texas 
would be refused separate statehood, and that Santa Annans 
pretended desire that Mexico should be a republic was to be 
laid aside in order to make himself a dictator. 

A copy of the letter Austin had Avritten to San Antonio 
after the first convention (§ 182) was sent from San Antonio to 
the City of Mexico. Orders were given for his arrest. He 
was overtaken at Monterey and carried back to the City of 
Mexico. On February 13th he was put in the old Inquisition 
building, and there, denied light, books, pen, ink, and paper, 
and visits from his friends, he was kept four months. He 
was tlien removed to the prison of the Acordada, given more 
liberty, and made more comfortable. 

He demanded a trial, knowing that he had committed no 
crime against Mexico. 

His case was taken to three courts, but each one decided 
he could not be tried by it. He was still held a prisoner. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 
XVIII.— The Conventions of 1832-1833. 

1. Why a convention was called, 

2. The place of meeting. 

3. The manner of selecting delegates. 

4. The work of the first convention. 

5. The correspondence between Austin and IVIexican officers. 
C). Santa Anna's opinion of the colonists. 

7. How the petition was treated. 

8. The second convention. 

9. The work of the convention. 

10. Austin's journey to Mexico. 

11. His efforts in behalf of Texas. 

12. How Zavala served the Tcxians. 

13. Austin's arrest and im})risonment. 



1820-1836.] CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY. 99 

CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY. 

Period of Colonization. 

1820. December 28, Moses Austin arrived in San Antonio. 

1821. Stephen F. Austin located his grant. 

1822. January 1, the colonists camped on " New Year's Creek." 
March 29, Austin left for Mexico. 

1823. July, Austin returned. 

1824. October 4, republican constitution adopted by Mexico. 
May 7, Texas united with Coahuila. 

De Leon founded a colony on the Guadalupe. 

1825. De Witt's colony founded. 
Edwards' colony founded. 

General colonization law passed by Mexico. 
1827. January, the " Fredonians " driven from Texas. 

The United States offered to buy Texas. 
1830. April 6, Bustamente's decree issued, prohibiting further immigra- 
tion of Americans into Texas. 

1832. April 7, decree issued forbidding Americans to trade with Texas. 
June 26, fight at Velasco. 

August 2, fight at Nacogdoches. 
October 1, convention at San Felipe. 

1833. April 1, convention at San Felipe. 
Austin imprisoned in Mexico. 

1834. Almonte visited Texas. 

1836. September 1, Austin returned. 



PERIOD OF REVOLUTION, 1830-1836. 
CHAPTER XIX. 

CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTIONS^. 

190. What the Colonists had clone for the Country. 

— The colonists were given the right to settle colonies in Texas 
on lands granted them by the Mexican Government. 

They brought their families, cultivated farms, built up 
towns, and in every way made good and useful citizens with 
loyal feelings toward Mexico. 

In return, they wished to be treated as honest citizens of a 
country should be. 

Instead of that, when it was discovered what a fine country 
Texas was, and how the American colonists were prospering, 
Mexico passed laws forbidding any more of them coming. 

191. Overthrow of the Kepublie. — One party in Mex- 
ico had been able to free her from the heavy yoke of Spain 
and set up an independent republic. The republic, with its 
kindly feelings toward the colonists, was now overthrown, and 
Santa Anna made himself dictator. 

Santa Anna's plan was to send Mexican paupers, crim- 
inals, and army officers no longer able to work, into the 
country. 

In the spring of 1834 he sent Juan N. Almonte (§ 277, 
with note), his confidaiit and friend, who had been educated 
in the United States, to study Texas, see what the country was 
fit for, and all the changes that had been brought about by 
the colonists. Almonte spent the summer travelling in Texas, 
stopping with the colonists. He found them delighted with 



1833-1834.] 



CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTIO:Nr. 



101 




SANTA ANNA, 



their new homes ; from them he learned what a fine country 
it was, and wrote to Santa Anna tliat, if its position was so 
good, why slionkl not the 
Mexican people enjoy it? 

192. The CouiKil of 
Ten. — In October Santa 
Anna called a council of 
ten men to consider Texas 
affairs. Lorenzo de Za- 
vala and Stephen F. Aus- 
tin were among the num- 
ber. 

Zavala joined Austin 
in asking for a separate 
state government for Tex- 
as, which Santa Anna re- 
fused. Austin told him 
that no soldiers were 
needed to compel the people to pay their taxes, nor for defense 
against the Indians. All they wished was to live in peace and 
be loyal to Mexico. Santa Anna said that four thousand sol- 
diers should be sent to San Antonio for the protection of the 
coast and the frontier. He promised better mail service, and 
ended by expressing a kindly feeling for Texas. Austin was 
pleased, and wrote, '*^ All is going well." 

193. Henry Sniitli's Plan for Texas. — There had been 
two departments in Texas, with a Chief over each. A new one 
was now created, and Henry Smith made its Chief, the first 
American who had been honored in that way. At tliis time 
the union between Coahuila and Texas was done away with. 
Henry Smith published an address in which he said that he 
believed Coahuila had herself broken the union, and advised 
that the people take steps to become a state. 

A few days before this a large number of Mexican citizens 
in San Antonio met and planned to organize a provisional, or 



102 PERIOD OF REVOLUTION". [1835. 

temporary, government. Both plans failed because, as William 
B. Travis said, any movement in Texas would hurt the cause 
of Stephen F. Austin, who was still a 2:)risoner in Mexico. 

194. Law for Disariuiiig- the Texiaiis, 1835. — Santa 
Anna's congress passed a decree reducing the militia of Texas 
to one in every five hundred souls, less than the police of a 
Mexican town, and required the others to be disarmed. 

The situation of the colonists was gloomy enough, but it was 
made more so by signs of war among the Indians aloug the whole 
frontier line from the Red River to the extreme soutliAvest. 

195. The Murder of the Traders. — A brave and pru- 
dent backwoodsman from Missouri, named John Castleman, 
lived ten miles west of Gonzales. lie was a bold hunter, 
much in the forest, and in his wanderings was always on the 
watch for Indians. He served as a vidette for the people in 
Gonzales and persons travelling. 

One morning in the spring a party of French and Mexican 
traders, on the way to Mexico, stopped under some trees a 
hundred yards in front of his cabin. Before they unpacked 
Castleman told them he had that morning seen Indian signs 
near by, and begged them to camp in his yard. They laughed 
at him. He started back to his cabin, but before he reached 
it a hundred mounted Indians dashed among them, yelling, and 
cutting out every one of their animals. These were guarded 
by a few Indians in full sight of the camp, while the main 
body kej)t up the fight. The traders fought from behind their 
saddles and bales of goods for four hours, the Indians charg- 
ing in a circle, till they at last killed every man. 

After scalping their victims, they packed their booty on 
the traders' mules and rode away. 

196. Fig'ht on the San Marcos. — In the night Castle- 
man went to Gonzales and told of the murder. In a few 
hours a band of volunteers, under Dr. James II. C. Miller, were 
on the trail of the Indians, and followed it up the San Marcos 
into a cedar brake in a valley. 



1835.] CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTIOl^. 103 

Finding they were very near the enemy, Miller halted and 
placed his men in hiding in the edge of a small open place. 
He sent three sconts to see where the Indians were. They 
suddenly came upon, them dismounted and eating. The 
scouts slipped back quickly, but the Indians saw them and 
gave chase, with such yells as, echoing from bluff to bluff 
made some of the men hiding in ambush run for their lives. 
Sixteen out of about thirty kept their senses. The hindmost 
of the three scouts, Daniel McCoy, running in single file, wore 
a long-tailed coat, which was grabbed and tightly held by a big 
Indian warrior, but old Dan threw back his arms and slipped out 
of the coat without stopping. The Indians ran into the trap set 
by the men in ambush until nine warriors lay dead in one heap. 
When they discovered this, the others raised a dismal howl, 
which meant death and defeat, and Avent back to their camp. 

The panic among the men caused by the horrid yells of the 
Indians, being heard for the first time by many of them (called 
by the old fighters '' buck ague "), kept them from following up 
the Indians. Such deeds as this were done in different parts 
of Texas by the Indians wheu they found the colonists were to 
be disarmed. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 
XTX. — Causes of the Revolution. 

1. What the colonists had done for the country, 

2. What they had a riglit to expect. 

3. The kind of treatment tliey received. 

4. The overthrow of the republican form of government. 

5. The people Santa Anna wished to send to Texas. 
G. Almonte's opinion. 

7. The Council of Ten. 

8. How their recommendations were treated. 

9. Henry Smith's plan for Texas. 

10. Why it was not carried out. 

11. Tlie law for disarming the Texians. 

12. Its effect upon the Indians. 

13. The murder of the traders. 

14. The fight on the San Marcos. 



104 PERIOD OF REVOLUTION. [1835. 



CHAPTER XX. 

THE BEGIKNING OF THE WAR, 1835. 

197. Austin's Return. — In September Stephen F.Austin 
once more put his foot on Texas soil, after twentj-eight 
months in Mexican prisons. His health was almost ruined by 
prison life and anxiety. He was warmly welcomed by the 
colonists, for whom he had done and suffered so much. 

198. First Attempt to Disarm the People. — De 
Witt's colony had been given by Mexico, four years before, a 
fine four-pound cannon for defense against the Indians. It 
was kept at Gonzales, and highly prized by the colonists. 
The first step toward disarming the people was to gei^ hold of 
that cannon. For this purpose one hundred and fifty Mexican 
dragoons, under Castinado, were sent to Gonzales. 

The people heard of their approach, and had time to form 
a company, which Avas able to keep the dragoons from coming 
into the town. Edward Burleson brought men from Bastrop ; 
Ben Fort Smith came with men from and near Brazoria. The 
colonists had stood by one another in times of trouble, and 
were always ready, at the tap of a drum, blast of bugle, or 
shout of courier, to mount and away, with or without rations. 

Others followed, until there w^re about one hundred and 
sixty men. John II. Moore was elected to command. 

199. Castinado's Demand. — The Mexican general was 
then informed that they did not intend to give up the 
cannon. He replied that he had his orders and would have 
to take it by force. He then took a strong position on 
DeAVitt's mound, farther up the valley. Colonel Moore 



1885.] THE BEGINNING OF THE WAR. 105 

believed Castiiiado intended to wait for re-enforcements^ and 
made up his mind not to allow him the chance. 

He quietly crossed the river on the night of October 1st, 
and the next morning, while a heavy fog veiled the earth, 
opened the attack by a shot from the disputed little four- 
pounder. 

Very soon the fog lifted, Oastinado saw the number of 
Texians, and the Mexicaiis were soon in rapid retreat, leaving 
four dead and many wounded. The Texians met with no 
loss, as the enemy, from their high position, fired over their 
heads. 

The war of the revolution against Mexico had begun. 

200. Tlie Effects of the Battle.— The news that a fight 
had actually taken place, and that war was before them, fiew 
over the country as fast as fleet horses could carry it, and it 
was determined to drive every Mexican soldier out of Texas. 

20 1. Ben Milaiu. — A com])any of fifty-two men marched 
on to capture the Mexican soldiers at Goliad, and hold that 
fort. 

George M. Collingsworth was their captain. He timed 
their march so as to arrive near Goliad after nightfall. 

As they rode along the narrow road near the town, a voice 
from a little thicket near by called out in English : '' Who are 
you ? " 

^^ American volunteers bound for Goliad. Who are you ?" 
promptly answered Collingsworth. 

"^ I am Ben Milam, escaped from a prison in Mexico. I 
heard you coming and jumped into this thicket ; but hearing 
your voices in my mother tongue was too much, so I called 
to find out who you were." Milam had passed through so 
many trials and hardships that he shed tears at the sight of 
old friends, and gladly joined them in trying to take Goliad. 

202. The Taking- of Goliad. — The march was con- 
tinued, they waded across the river, and the fort was quietly 
reached at eleven o'clock at night. The church door, which 



106 PERIOD OF REVOLUTION. [1835. 

was entrance to the quarters, was battered down, and the 
whole company rushed in, firing at every moving object. 

The surprise was comjilete, and the garrison of three offi- 
cers and twenty-four soldiers surrendered. Ten thousand 
dollars' worth of military stores, a few cannon, and three 
hundred stand of arms was the result of this capture. 

A committee was appointed to raise money for the war. 
At Natchitoches the people gave liberally, and at New Orleans 
a boatload of arms and provisions was sent ; besides, two fine 
companies of men, called The Grays, were fitted out by citizens 
of New Orleans (§ 208). 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 
XX. — The Beginning of the War. 

1. Austin's return. 

2. The first attempt to disarm the Texians. 

3. The demand of Castinado. 

4. The reason why it was refused. 

5. What was done with the cannon. 

6. Castin ado's hasty retreat. 

7. The effect produced by the battle of Gonzales. 

8. Ben Milam. 

9. The takinsr of Goliad. 



1835.] 



THE TAKIN^G OF SAN ANTONIO. 



107 



CHAPTER XXL 

THE TAKING OF SAN ANTONIO^, DECEMBER, 1835. 

203. The Gathering of the Forces. — The news that 
General Cos was expected at San Antonio, with troops to begin 
a war against the colonies, spread like wildfire. The Texians 
began raising companies, and volunteers flocked to join them. 
Every man and boy able to carry a gun felt eager to help 
drive the Mexicans back. 

204. Some IVaiues that became Famous. — Austin 
was elected general of the army. Benjamin 11. Milam had 
charge of the scouts (§ 212). Fannin, Bowie, Burleson, the 
Whartons, Henry Smith, and all the men who afterward be- 
came famous in Texas history, joined the army. 

205. Bowie and Fannin sent Ahead. — General 
Austin moved his camp to the Mission of Espada, about ten 
miles below San Antonio (§ 59), and sent James Bowie and 




RIFLE OF REZIN P. BOWIE. SWORD AND SCABBARD OF JAMES BOWIE. 

James W. Fannin, with ninety-two men, to find a good 
camping ground as near San Antonio as possible. 

They camped for the night in the little crescent-shaped 
bend of the river, about two hundred yards in front of the 
vacant Mission of Concepcion ; sentinels were put out, and 
one watchman in the high tower of the mission (§ 57). 



108 PERIOD OF IlEVOLUTION. [1835. 

The night passed quietly ; at dawn of day everything was 
hidden by a thick fog, which prevented the sentinels or look- 
out from the mission seeing the enemy. About half an hour 
by sun, an advance guard of their cavalry rode upon a sen- 
tinel. The Texiaus were called to arms, but for some time 
were not able to discover their foes. When the fog rose 
it was plain to be seen that they were surrounded, and a 
desperate light before them, as they were cut off from the 
main body. 

200. The Btittle of Coneepcioii, October 28, 1885, 
from Bowie and Faiuiiii's Report. — The men were ordered 
to clear away the bushes and vines under the hill and along 
the edge, and at steep places to cut steps for footholds, so they 
could form and pass up the bluff, fire their rifles, and step back 
to reload. 

Before the work was finished the enemy closed around 
them. The crack of a rifle about eight o'clock in the morning 
began the fight. The discharge from the enemy's guns was 
one blaze of fire, while that from the Texian lines was slower 
and surer, each man stepping back in good order to give place 
to another while he reloaded. 

The l^attle had not lasted more than ten minutes before a 
brass double four-pounder was opened on tlie Texians with 
a heavy load of grape and canister. "^ The Cannon and Vic- 
tory ! '' became the war-cry, and it had only been fired five 
times before the Mexican bugles sounded a retreat, which left 
the cannon with tlie Texians. 

Ninety-two men had gained a victory over the main 
army of the Mexicans — being at least four to one — with the 
loss of one brave Texian, Richard Andrews, and none 
wounded, whilst the enemy suffered, in killed and wounded, 
nearly one hundred. Not one of their artillerymen was left 
unhurt. 

In one hour after the battle, Austin, with the main body 
of Texians, about seven hundred in number, came up ; hav- 



1835.] THE TAKING OF SAK ANTOKIO. 109 

iiig heard the cannon, he knew a battle Avas being fonght. 
Fannin said that if they had been able to reach them earlier, 
"the victory would liave lyeen decisive and Bexar ours before 
twelve o'clock." Cos had refused to treat with Austin as a 
military commander, and had threatened to fire on his flag 
of truce. He was now obliged to ask of Austin, under flag of 
truce, to bury his dead. 

207. The Texian Officers hold DifFereiit Opinions. 
— General Austin divided his army, placing one body above 
the town, near the San Pedro Springs, and the other a mile or 
so below. 

Edward Burleson was in command above, and Fannin and 
Bowie below. Bowie wrote to Cos, October 31st, suggesting a 
way by which more shedding of blood could be prevented. But 
Cos would not' agree to it. 

The large number of officers in the I'exian army could not 
agree about the attack on San Antonio. No one had enough 
command over the volunteers ; they became restless because 
nothing was done, and many went home. The Texian army 
was growing smaller, while the Mexicans were strengthening 
their fortress and getting reenforcements. 

Austin was in favor of storming San Antonio, but wished 
to wait for reenforcements. 

Bowie and Milam, with others, thought the same trusty 
rifles that had done such good work at the Concej^cion could 
be trusted again. But the golden moment was allowed to 
pass. * 

208. The New Orleans Grays. — The first volunteers 
from the United States were the New Orleans Grays, fitted 
out and sent to aid Texas by the people of New Orleans. One 
company came by land to the coast, and the other on the 
schooner Coluinhus, Captain Liedsdorf, loaded with supplies. 
They marched from the coast on foot to San Antonio — two 

* See Brown's " General History of Texas," Vol. I., chaps. 34, 35. 



110 



PERIOD OF REVOLUTION. 



[1835. 



hiinclred and fifty miles, and now reported ready for duty, 
sixty-four in number. Of all the brave men who came to 
fight with Texas there were none braver than this company 
of men (§ 202). Many died four months later Avith Fannin 
(§ 254). 

209. Austin Resigns, November 24. — Austin and 
William 11. Wharton and Dr. Branch T. Archer were elected 
to go to the United States to ask for lielii in the war against 

Mexico ; for this reason 
they had to leave the 
army. 

Austin had the men 
paraded to see how many 
chose to stay in camp, 
under a ucav commander, 
to be elected by them. 

210. The New Com- 
mander. — Nearly all 
wished to stay, but there 
were only four hundred 
and five, including the New 
Orleans Grays. Edward 
Burleson was elected to 
Austin^s place. 

The outlook was darker 
than at any time since the 
fight at the Concepcion, twenty-seven days before. One-half of 
the Texians had been sent to other places or had left the army, 
while the Mexican army was much larger than before. But 
there were lion-hearted men in that little band. 

Sam Houston was now commander-in-chief of the armies 
of Texas. He wrote to Fannin in San Antonio, and advised 
that nothing be done until artillery could be gotten ; he 
thought it best to give up the siege until later. " Eemember," 
he said, " our maxim : It is better to do well late than never," 




GENERAL EDWARD BURLESON. 



1835.] THE TAKINTt of SAN ANTONIO. Ill 

211. The Grass Fight, November 26th. — Cos had to 

send out parties at night to cut and bring in grass for his 
horses. The Texians had heard that some Mexican soldiers 
were on the way to San Antonio with a hirge amount of silver 
to pay off their men and buy supplies. One day, while Colonel 
Bowie was a few miles west of San Antonio with a small party 
of men, he saw about two hundred Mexican soldiers coming 
from the west, and, from the packs on loose animals, thought 
it was the party with silver. 

He sent a runner to camp for help. Bowlegs men who 
had horses pressed on as fast as they could, and those on foot 
followed, all in rather helter-skelter order. The Mexicans got 
so near the town that Bowie did not wait for help, but attacked 
them. A hard fight followed, during which Burleson and his 
men came up ; and his father, Colonel James Burleson, an old 
officer of the Creek war, called out : " Cliarge 'em, boys ! 
Charge I " and all joined in. But the Mexicans, losing a 
number of their men, left the packs and ran to the town. 
The packs proved to be bundles of grass. 

Strange to say, the Texians did not lose a man. One man, 
struck down by a spent ball from the fort, was left as dead 
when the men ran forward, but he came to himself, and, see- 
ing none of his comrades near, thought they had all been taken 
prisoners, and took to the hills. He travelled several days, 
almost dying for food, until he reached a settlement, and was 
so mortified when he found his mistake that lie went on 
beyond the Sabine River. 

212. "Who will Follow Old Ben Milam?"— So far 
the men as a body had not been willing to storm the city. Aus- 
tin had tried to bring it about, but failed. All professed to 
want to take the town, but the order to attack was not carried 
out. Bowie, Milam, and Travis were not in camp much of 
the time, being sent out as scouts. 

The 4th of December arrived, and so did Milam from a 
perilous scout to the west. His soul arose to the occasion. He 



112 



PEKIOD OF REVOLUTION^. 



[1835. 



drew a line, and stepping over it, made a speech to the men 
on the good it wonid do them to take the town ; then, in a 
lond voice, called out : " Who Avill follow old Ben Milam V 
From the little halting band and into line, sprang three hun- 
dred men ready to follow him to victory or death. By per- 
mission of General Burleson, Milam divided his men into two 
bodies ; commanding one himself, he put the other under 
Francis W. Johnson. Burleson reluctantly stayed with the 
reserves in camp, and directed the movements of his army 
from there. His officers urged that his life Avas too valuable 
to risk. 

213. The Plan of Attack. — The main body, under 
Milam and Johnson, was to attack the suburbs of the town. 
At three o'clock on the morning of December 5th, Colonel 
Jose}:)!! 0. Neill, with a cannon, protected by Captain Roberts 
and his company, was sent across the river to attack, at five 

o^clock, the Alamo on the 
south side, to draw atten- 
tion from the main body. 

214. San Antonio 
Houses. — The houses in 
the town Avere built of 
adobe, or of stone, with 
flat roofs ; around each 
roof was a low wall with 
loop-holes, which made it a 
good place to fire from, as 
the men could drop out of 
sight behind the walls to 




THK AI,AM() KKT.L. 



{By permission of the Texas Historical Society, 
Galveston.) 



reload. 

215. The Two Col- 
umns Advance. — Before daylight Milam and Johnson had 
each taken possession of a house on streets leading into the 
main plaza. 

Johnson's men were under heavy fire until Milam's guns 



1835.] THE TAKING OF SAK AI^TOKIO. 113 

opened up, wlien the Mexicans turned on both divisions with 
cannon and muskets. MiUim's twelve-pounder was dis- 
mounted, and their artillery was not of much use for the rest 
of the day. 

The cannon from the town in front, and the Alamo on the 
left, thuudered on the little band, while a brisk fire was kept 
up on their entire line by the Mexicans on the house-tops ; but, 
in spite of all, they moved their line a little farther into the 
town. 

For three days they fought and worked, got their twelve- 
pounder in shape again, at night filled bags with sand, and 
strengthened their lines in every possible way. About noon 
on the third day, a man named Henry AV. Karnes, under heavy 
fire from the enemy, ran to a house in front of Milam's divi- 
sion, and with a crowbar crushed in a door, through which the 
men sprang into the house. 

216. Death of Milam. — The Mexicans poured shot upon 
them, and at half-past three o'clock that afternoon, Avhile 
passing through the yard, gallant Ben Milam fell ; a rifle shot 
in his head stilled the brave and patriotic heart forever. 

Johnson was elected to Milam's j^lace, while the captain of 
the New Orleans Grays, Robert C. Morris, filled Johnson's. 

217. The Black Flag's Disappear. — The weather was 
cold and wet ; inch by inch, tunnelling through thick stone 
walls from room to room and house to house, the brave fellows 
fought two days longer, until, early on the morning of the 9th, 
the black flags that had waved over the town, meaning death 
to all who should be taken prisoners, were lowered, and white 
flags of surrender took their place. 

A flag of truce was sent to Colonel Johnson, who sent word 
to General Burleson that Cos wished to surrender. On the 
10th, five days after fighting had begun, San Antonio was sur- 
rendered to the Texians. All property that belonged to the 
Mexicans as an army was to be given up, but each soldier could 
retain his private property. General Cos and his officers were 
8 



114 PERIOD OF REVOLUTION. [1835. 

to go back to Mexico ; the privates could go with them or 
where they pleased. General Cos must leave San Antonio in 
six days. Besides their side-arms, they were given a four- 
ponnd cannon and ten ronnds of ammunition. 

After carrying out all the terms of the surrender, Cos left 
San Antonio with at least thirteen hundred able-bodied sol- 
diers of the regular army, overcome by less than four hundred 
Texians, who had no training except what they had gotten in 
fighting Indians. 

218. The Results of the Victory.— After Cos and his 
men crossed the Rio Grande, not a Mexican soldier was left on 
Texas soil. The volunteers nearly all left for their homes, 
leaving the New Orleans Grays and a few others in charge of 
San Antojiio. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 
XXI. — The Taking of San Antonio. 

1. The gathering of the forces. 

2. Some names that afterward became famous. 

3. Why Bowie and Fannin were sent ahead. 

4. Their camping place. 

5 What they saw through the fog. 
G. The battle of Concepcion. 

7. The diflferent opinions of Texian officers as to what should be 

done. 

8. The New Orleans Grays. 

9. Why Austin resigned. 

10. The new commander. 

11. "The Grass Fight." 

12. Why one Texian was so mortified. 

13. "Who will follow old Ben Milam into San Antonio ?" 

14. The plan of attack. 

15. Why Colonel Neill made such a big noise. 

16. Description of the houses in San Antonio. 

17. The advance of the two columns. 

18. The death of Milam. 

19. The disappearance of the black flags. 

20. The victory. 

21. The results. 



1835.] THE ge:n^eral COKSULTATION". 115 



CHAPTER XXII. 

THE GENERAL CONSULTATION^, 1835. 

219. Why Called by this Name.— Before the battle at 
San Antonio letters had been written by Houston, Austin, 
Wharton, and other leading citizens, as to what ought to l)e 
done to protect Texas against Mexico. While pretending to 
have the most kindly feelings toward her, Santa Anna was 
still sending General Cos with an army to take possession of 
the country. 

It was decided to have a meeting to consider the matter, 
and call it a Consultation, as the Mexicans had a horror of the 
word Convention, as meaning revolution, while ConmiJtation 
with them meant something like a lot of old ladies at a tea 
party. 

220. The Meji who Formed the Consultation, No- 
vember, 1835. — Dr. Branch T. ilrcher was elected president 
of the body, and such men as Zavala, Sam Houston, Henry 
Smith, and John A. Wharton were among the members, sixty- 
four in all, though several were never present. Some of the 
delegates were in favor of declaring Texas independent of 
Mexico, while others thonght it too soon for such a decided 
step, and that it was best to form a provisional, or temporary, 
government until they could see their way to something better. 

221. The Provisional Government. — A vote was taken 
as to which plan shonld be carried ont. A majority were in 
favor of the temporary government. Those in favor of inde- 
pendence felt sure all would soon believe as they did. 

John A. Wharton offered a resolution, and it was adopted, 
that they should prepare a declaration setting forth to the 



116 PERIOD OF RBVOLUTIOiq". [1835. 

world their reasons for taking np arms, and the objects for 
which they fought, which all present signed.* 

223. The Provisional Governiiieiit. — Henry Smith 
was elected Governor, James W. Smith Lieutenant-Governor, 
and Sam Houston Commander-in-Chief of the Army. A coun- 
cil composed of one man from each municipality, whose duties 

* Unanimous Declaration of the Consultation, Adopted 
November 7, 1835. 

"Preamble. — Whereas, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, and other 
military chieftains, have by force of arms overthrown the federal institutions 
of Mexico, and have dissolved the social compact which existed between 
Texas and other members of the Mexican Confederacy : Now the good 
people of Texas, availing themselves of their natural rights, Do Solemnly 
Declare — 

^^ First. That they have taken up arms in defense of their rights and liber- 
ties, which are threatened b}' encroachments of military despots ; and in 
defence of the Republican principles of the Federal Constitution of Mexico 
of 1824. 

" Second. That Texa,s is no longer morally or civilly bound by the compact 
of union ; yet, stimulated by the generosity and sympathy common to a free 
people, they offer their support and assistance to such members of the Mexi- 
can Confederacy as will take up arms against military despotism. 

" Third. They do not acknowledge that tlie i)resent authorities of the nom- 
inal Mexican Republic have the right to govern within the limits of Texas. 

^'' Fom'th. They will not cease to carry on war against the said autlioiities 
while their troops are Avithin the limits of Texas. 

'■'■Fifth. They hold it to be their right during the disorganization of the 
federal system, and the reign of despotism, to withdraw fi-om the union, and 
establish an independent government, or adopt such measui'es as they may 
deem best calculated to protect their rights and liberties ; but they will con- 
tinue faithful to the Mexican Goverimient so long as that nation is governed 
by the constitution and laws that were formed for the government of the 
Political Association. 

'■'■ SixtJi. That Texas is responsible for the expenses of her armies now in 
the field. 

'■'■Seventh. That the public faith of Texas is pledged for the payment of all 
debts contracted by her agents. 

" Eighth. That she will reward by donations in land all wlio volunteer their 
services in her present struggle, and secure them as citizens. 

'■'■Ninth. These declarations we solemnly avow to the worhl, and call God 
to witness their trutli and sincerity ; and we invoke defeat and disgrace upon 
our heads should we prove guilty of duplicity." 



1835.] 



THE GENERAL CONSULTATION. 



117 



were to assist and advise the Governor^ to devise ways and 
means, and to do what was necessary for keeping np the Gov- 
ernment of Texas, civil and 
military, was elected. 

Henry Smith drew np 
the plans for the civil gov- 
ernment, and Almazon 
Hnston for the militaiy. 

223. Coininissioners 
Sent to the United 
States. — Branch T. Arch- 
er, Stephen F. . Anstin, 
and William H. Wharton 
were elected to go to the 
United States as agents or 
commissioners to ask for 
helj) in protecting the 
American colonists in Tex- 
as against Mexico. Anstin 
and Wharton, it will be 

remembered, left the army at San Antonio to go on this 
errand (§ 209). AVharton, at first, declined going. He was 
in favor of declaring the indej^endence of Texas, and thonght 
the United States wonld look npon it as a family qnarrel so 
long as Texas was a ])art of Mexico. 

224. The Great Good Accomplished by these Com- 
missioners. — Together, and separately, these men did noble 
work for Texas. In New Orleans and other cities they made 
speeches, Avliich won sympathy, and friends who afterward 
sent money and soldiers to aid her in the war. A deep inter- 
est in Texas had been created by them. 

225. Governor Smith and the Conncil Disagree. — 
Henry Smith and Sam llonston had not an easy time as offi- 
cers of the Provisional Government. The Governor thought 
it best to increase the army by a recruiting service nnder Wil- 




HENRY SMITH. 



118 PERIOD OF REVOLUTION. [1835. 

liam B. Travis, to collect supplies through agents, and place 
all under General Houston as Commander-in-Chief, that they 
might be able to meet Santa Annans armies in the spring. 

The Council did not agree with the Governor. Expeditions 
under men who looked to the Council for orders were planned 
against Mexico.* 

226. Houston Refuses to Stay with the Army. — 
Houston wrote to Governor Smith, refusing to stay with the 
army, saying that, if he did so, ^' tlie Council ivoidd have the 
pleasure of asc7'ibi?ig to me all the evils which its oton conduct 
and acts will, in all probability, bring upon the country.''' 
The Council, nominally, took Governor Smithes office from 
him, as he did not agree to its plans. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 

XXII. — The General Consultation. 

1. Why called by this name. 

2. The men that formed this body. 

3. Why tliere was no declaration of independence. 

4. The declaration that was published. 

5. The provisional government. 

6. The commissioners to the United States. 

7. The great good afterward accompHshed by these commissioners. 

8. The disagreement between the Governor and the Council. 

9. Houston's reason for refusing to stay with the army. 

* The massacre of Fannin's men, and the fate of Grant's and Johnson's 
expeditions, were caused by this lack of cooperation. 



1836.] 



THE CON^VENTION^. 



119 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



THE CONVEi^TIOK, 1836. 

227. Why March 2(1 is a Holiday. — The delegates 
sent to this Convention were chosen because it was well known 
that they were in favor of 
a declaration of independ- 
ence, and the people of 
Texas felt the time had 
now come to make one. 
The delegates had power to 
do so. Richard Ellis was 
elected president of the 
Convention. On March 
2d they read and adopted 
a Declaration of Independ- 
ence. 

228. The "Republic 
of Texas." — David C. 
Burnet was elected Presi- 
dent, Lorenzo de Zavala, 
Vice-President, for the 
time being, of the Repuhlic of Texas. The Convention gave 
place to the Government of the Republic* 

Sam Houston was reelected to the command of the armies. 
He reached Gonzales, March 11, where the volunteers were 




DAVID G. BURNET. 



* The members of the cabinet were Samuel P. Carson, Secretary of State ; 
Bailey Hardeman, Secretary of the Treasury ; Thomas J. Rusk, Secretary of 
War ; Robert Potter, Secretary of the Navy ; and David Thomas, Attorney- 
General. 



120 



PERIOD OF REVOLUTIOK. 



[1836. 



collecting, determined, if possible, to go to the relief of 
Travis in the Alamo. About twilight of the same day, 

Anselmo Bogarra and an- 
other Mexican brought in 
the first news of the fall 
of the Alamo. Houston 
sent ' ^Deaf '' Smith, Henry 
"VV. Karnes, and Eobert 
E. Handy to go near 
enough to San Antonio to 
find out the facts, and re- 
turn in three days. They 
met ]\Irs. Dickinson and 
her baby girl, Sam the 
negro servant of Travis, 
and Ben, a free negro ser- 
vant of Colonel Almonte, 
who had been allowed to 
leave by Santa Anna, about twenty miles from Gonzales. They 
told of the fall of the Alamo. Karnes hastened back to Gon- 
zales with the news. Santa Anna was planning for his 
advance. On Bogarra's arrival, Houston sent orders for 
Fannin to retreat. 




T. J. PvUSK. 



229. 



UNANIMOUS 



DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, 



BY THE 



DELEGATES OF THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS, 

In General Convention, at the Town of Washington, on the 
Second Day of March, 183G. 

When a govoi-nincnt has ceased to i)r<)teet the lives, liberty, and pros- 
perity of the people, from whom its legitimate powers are derived, and 
for the advancement of whose happiness it was instituted ; and, so far 
from being a guarantee for their inestimable and inalienalde rights, 



1836.] THE CONVENTION. 121 

becomes an instninient in the hands of evil rulers for their oppression : 
when the Federal Republican Constitution of their country, which they 
have sworn to sujjport, no longer has a substantial exist(>nce, and the 
whole nature of their government has been forcibly ciuinged, without 
their consent, from a restricted Federative llepublic, composed of Sover- 
eign States, to a consolidated central military despotism, in which every 
interest is disregarded but that of the army and the priesthood, both the 
eternal enemies of civil liberty, the ever ready minions of power, and the 
usual instruments of tyrants : when, long after the spirit of the constitu- 
tion has departed, moderation is at length so far lost by those in power, 
that even the semblance of freedom is removed, and the forms themselves 
of the constitution discontinued, and, so far from their petitions and 
remonstrances being regarded, the agents who bear them are thrown into 
dungeons, and mercenary armies sent forth to force a new government 
upon them at the point of the bayonet : when, in consequence of such 
acts of malfeasance and abduction on the part of the government, anarchy 
prevails and civil society is dissolved into its original elements: — in such 
a crisis, the first law of nature, the right of self-preservation, the inherent 
and inalienable right of the people to appeal to first principles, and take 
their political affairs into their own hands in extreme cases, enjoins it as 
a right towards themselves and a sacred obligation to their posterity to 
abolish such government, and create another in its stead, calculated to 
rescue them from impending dangers, and to secure their welfare and 
happiness. 

Nations, as well as individuals, are amenable for their acts to the pub- 
lic opinion of mankind. A statement of a part of our grievances is there- 
fore submitted to an impartial world, in justification of the hazardous 
but unavoidable step now taken, of severing our political connection with 
the Mexican people, and assuming an independent attitude among the 
nations of the earth. 

The Mexican Government, by its colonization laws, invited and induced 
the Anglo-American population of Texas to colonize its wilderness under 
the pledged faith of a written constitution, that they should continue to 
enjoy that constitutional liberty and republican government to which 
they had been habituated in the land of their birth, the United States of 
America. 

In this -expectation they have been cruelly disappointed, inasmuch as 
the Mexican nation has acquiesced in the late changes made in the gov- 
ernment by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, who, having over- 
turned the constitution of his country, now offers, as the cruel alternative, 
either to abandon our homes, acquired by so many privations, or submit 



122 PERIOD OF REVOLUTIOl^. [1836. 

to the most intolerable of all tyranny, the combined despotism of the 
sword and the priesthood. 

It hath sacrificed our welfare to the state of Coahuila, by which our 
interests have been continually depressed through a jealous and partial 
course of legislation, carried on at a far distant seat of government, by a 
hostile majority in an unknown tongue, and this too, notwithstanding we 
have petitioned in the humblest terms for the establishment of a separate 
state government, and have, in accordance with the provisions of the 
national constitution, presented to the general congress a republican con- 
stitution, which was, without a just cause, contemptuously rejected. 

It incarcerated in a dungeon for a long time one of oar citizens, for 
no other cause but a zealous endeavor to procure the acceptance of our 
constitution and the establishment of a state government. 

It has failed and refused to secure, on a firm basis, the right of trial 
by jury, that palladium of civil liberty, and only safe guarantee for the 
life, liberty, and property of the citizen. 

It has failed to establish any public system of education, although pos- 
sessed of almost boundless resources (the public domain), and although it 
is an axiom in political si'ience, that unless a people are educated and 
enlightened, it is idle to expect the continuance of civil liljerty, or the 
capacity for self-government. 

It has suffered the military commandants, stationed among us, to exer- 
cise arbitrary acts of oppression and tyranny, thus trampling upon the 
most sacred rights of the citizen, and rendering the military superior to 
the civil power. 

It has dissolved, by force of arms, the state congress of Coahuila and 
Texas, and obliged our representatives to fly for their lives from the seat 
of government, thus depriving us of the fundamental political riglit of 
representation. 

It has demanded the surrender of a number of our citizens, and ordered 
military detachments to seize and carry them into the interior for trial, 
in contempt of the civil authorities, and in defiance of the laws and the 
constitution. 

It has made piratical attacks upon our commerce by commissioning 
foreign desperadoes, and authorizing them to seize our vessels and convey 
the property of our citizens to far distant ports for confiscation. 

It denies us the right of worshipping the Almighty according to the 
dictates of our own conscience, by the support of a National Religion, 
calculated to promote the temporal interest of its human functionaries, 
rather than the glory of the true and living God. 

It has demanded us to deliver up our arms, which are essential to our 



1836.] 



THE CONVENTION. 



123 



defense — the rightful property of freemen — and formidable only to tyran- 
nical governments. 

It has invaded our country both by sea and by land, with the intent 
to lay waste our territory, and drive us from our homes : and has now a 
large mercenary army advancing to carry on against us a war of exter- 
mination. 

It has, through its emissaries, incited the merciless savage, with the 
tomahawk and scalping knife, to massacre the inhabitants of our defense- 
less frontiers. 

It has been, during the whole time of our connection with it, the con- 
temptible sport and victim of successive military revolutions, and hath 
continually exhibited every characteristic of a weak, corrupt, and tyran 
nical government. 

These, find other grievances, were patiently borne by the people of 
Texas, until they reached that point at which forbearance ceases to be a 
virtue. We then took up arms in defense of the National Constitution. 

We appealed to our Mexican bretkren for assistance : our appeal has 
been made in vain. Though months have elapsed, no sympathetic 
response has been heard from the interior. 

We are, therefore, forced to the melancholy conclusion that the Mexi- 
can people have acquiesced in the destruction of their liberty, and the 
substitution therefor of a military government ; that they are unfit to be 
free, and incapable of self-government. 

The necessity of self-preservation, therefore, now decrees our eternal 
political separation. _ 

We, therefore, the delegates, ivith plenary jjoivers, of the People of 
Texas, in solemn convention assembled, appealing to a candid world for 
the necessities of onr condition, do herehy resolve and declare, that our 
political connection with the 3Iexican nation has forever ended, and that 
the people of Texas do now constitute a Free, Sovereign, and Independent 
liepuhlic, and are fully invested with all the rights and attributes which 
properly belong to independent 7iations ; and conscious of the rectitude of 
oar intentions, we fearlessly and confidently commit the issue to the deci- 
sion of the Supreme Arbiter of the destinies of nations. 

RICHARD ELLIS, 

President. 



George C. Childress, Viesca. 
Sterling C. Robertson, Viesca. 
Chas. B. Stewart, Austin. 
Thomas Barnett, Austin. 



James Collinsworth, Brazoria. 
Edwin Waller, Brazoria. 
Asa Brigham, Brazoria. 
J. S. D. Byrom, Brazoria. 



124 



PERIOD OF REVOLUTION^. 



[1836. 



Francisco Ruiz, Bexar. 
Saml. a. Maverick, Bexar. 
Jose Antonio Navarro, Bexar. 
Jesse B. Badgett, Bexar. 
Wm. D. Lacy, Colorado. 
Wm. Menefee, Colorado. 
James Gaines, "Sabine. 
W. Clark, Jr., Sabine. 
John Fisher, Gonzales. 
Matt. Caldwell, Gonzales. 
Wm. Motley, Goliad. 
John White Bower, Goliad. 
Lorenzo de Zavala, Ilarrisburg. 
James B. Woods, Ilarrisburg. 
Andrew Briscoe, Harrisburg. 
John W. Moore, Harrisburg. 
Bailey Hardeman, Matagorda. 
Sam'l Rhoads Fisher, Matagorda. 
J. W. Bunton, Mina. 
Thos. J. Gazley, Mina. 
R. M. Coleman, Mina. 
Elijah Stapp, Jackson. 
Robert Potter, Nacogdoches. 
Thos. J. Rusk, Nacogdoches. 
Chas. S. Taylor, Nacogdoches. 



John S. Roberts, Nacogdoches. 
Robert Hamilton, Red River. 
Collin McKinney, Red River. 
Albert H. Latimer, Red River. 
Martin Parmer, San Augustine. 
E. 0. Legrand, San Augustine. 
Steph. W. Blount, San Augustine. 
Syd 0. Pennington, Shelby. 
W. Car'l Crawford, Shelby. 
James Power, Refugio. 
Sam. Houston, Refugio. 
David Thomas, Refugio. 
Edward Conrad, Refugio. 
John Turner, San Patricio. 
Steph. H. Everitt, Jasper. 
Geo. W. Smyth, Jasper. 
Claiborne West, Jelfersoii. 
Wm. B. Scates, Jefferson. 
M. B. Menard, Liberty. 

A. B. Hardin, Liberty. 

B. Briggs Goodrich, Washington. 
G. W. Barnett, Washington. 
James G. Swisher, Washington. 
Jesse Grimes, Washington. 



TOPICAL OUTLINES. 



XXHL— The Convention. 

1. Why the 2d of March is a holiday. 

2. "The Republic of Texas." 

3. The temporary oihcers. 

4. The Declaration of Independence. What it has to say about 

a. The rights of a people to abolish a government. 

h. The inducements that brought the colonists to Texas. 

c. How they were disappointed. 

d. The way in which Texas was sacrificed to Coahuila. 

e. The imprisonment of Austin. 
/. The right of trial by jury. 

g. The right of the people to keep and bear arms. 



1836.] THE CONVENTION^. 125 

h. The want of a public system of education. 
i. The establishment of a national religion. 
j. The want of protection from the Jndians. 
k. The presence of Mexican soldiers in Texas, 
I. The seizure of citizens. 
m. The instability of the Mexican Government. 



126 PERIOD OF REVOLUTION. [1836. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, 1836. 

230. Santa Anna's Resolutions on Hearing- that San 
Antonio was Taken. — Santa Anna was fnll of .pride and 
vanity at all times, and, now that he was in command of all the 
soldiers in Mexico, called himself the Napoleon of the West, 
and felt sure he could kill or drive away every American in 
Texas. 

When he heard that one wing of his army had been forced 
to surrender San Antonio and march out of Texas, leaving 
their cannon and stores in the hands of less than four hundred 
of the hated Texians, he vowed to march into the country with 
such numbers of men, and from so many points at once, that 
not an American would be left. 

231. The Divisions of his Army. — By the middle of 
February it was known in Texas that Santa Anna, with a large 
army, was soon to begin his march into Texas. 

From the Eio Grande the lower division was to move on 
to Goliad ; while the main division, under Santa Anna, was to 
march to San Antonio in different bodies, on account of there 
not being enough water and grass for the horses, at some places 
on the way, if all should move at once. 

232. Santa Anna's Orders Concerning the Treat- 
ment of Prisoners. — To his generals Santa Anna gave or- 
ders that they should shoot all prisoners, and that the same 
should be done to all found with arms in their hands ; and to 
force those who had not taken up arms to leave the country. 

233. His Phms for Texas.— Santa Anna was determined 
to carry out the plans he had made two years before, of set- 



1836.] THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 127 

tliug Texas with Mexicans, soldiers, and convicts. Any for- 
eigner found helping Texas with arms, ammunition, or 
provisions, was to be punished as giving aid to rebels. 

234. The Men who hekl San Antonio. — Lieutenant- 
Colonel William B. Travis was in command at San Antonio. 
His force had numbered one hundred and forty-five men ; but 
thirty-two men from DeWitt's colony and Gonzales, and a few 
others who joined him after Santa Anna's lines were near the 
town, made in all one hundred and eighty-three men. 

Among Travis^s men were James B. Bonham, James Bowie, 
Albert Martin, David Crockett, and others whose names should 
never be forgotten by the people of Texas. 

235. The Appeals for Help. — Colonels Neill, Bowie, and 
Travis wrote to Governor Smith and Sam Houston begging for 
money, horses, and food, to enable them to hold San Antonio. 
In January Colonel Neill wrote to Houston : " My men can- 
not be clothed on paper pledges. . . . They were not 
even sufficiently clad for summer, many of them having but 
one blanket and one shirt. ^^ Bowie Avrote : "Again tue call 
aloud for relief. Our force is very small. It 'would he a 
waste of men to put our hrave little hand against thousands.'^ 

In February, Travis wrote to Governor Henry Smith that 
Santa Anna had denounced vengeance against the people of 
Texas. " This, heing the frontier post, ivill he the first 
attacked. We have not more titan one hundred and fifty men 
here. Yet we are determined to sustain it as long as there is 
a man left, hecause we consider death preferahle to disgrace, 
wiiicli would he the result of giving up a post so dearly icon 
and thus opening the door for the invaders to enter the sacred 
territory of the colonies. For God's sake, and for the sake of 
our country, send us reenf or cements." 

On account of the troubles caused by the Council not hav- 
ing agreed with the Governor and General Houston, the sup- 
plies that belonged at San Antonio had been sent to other 
places. 



128 PEKIOD OF REVOLUTION. [1836. 

236. How the Appeals were Answered. — Smith and 
Houston did all in their power to help the brave fellows who 



A y''t-'<- 



d^^y^^ ■ 






y^U^- ^^z^^'* 






JO'* * 













^•,^' ^^'iC-ttt-^^'Cy' 






TKAVIS' Al'PKAL FKOM TllK AJ-AMO, 

Photographed from the original in jwssessio/i of John Henry Broiun. 

were suffering for the necessaries of life, but they had almost 
nothing at command. 

■ On getting word that the enemy was on the march, Gover- 
nor Smith printed a hand-bill, calling on all able to bear arms 
to rally, or in fifteen days the enemy would be in the heart of 
icxas. 



1836.] THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 129 

237. description of the Alamo.* — The Alamo hud 
been built as a place of safety for the settlers and their prop- 
erty in case of Indian hostilities. With plenty of room for 
that purpose, it had not the strength nor the arrangement of a 
regular fortification. 

As its area contained between two and three acres, a thou- 
sand men would have been barely enough to defend it.f 

The church and two barracks had, at the time, flat terraced 
roofs of beams and plank, covered with a thick coat of 
cement. Most of the doors to these houses had within them 
a semicircular barricade, made of a double curtain of hides 
held up by stakes and filled in between with dirt. From 
behind these curtains the men could fire front or sideways 
through the door. Some of the rooms had loopholes to fire 
through. 

238. The Arrival of Santa Anna, Fehruary 23<l. — 
The first division, a regiment' of Mexican dragoons, and one or 
two battalions, arrived the day before Santa Anna came up 
with the second division, and the siege began. During the 
first three days of March, James Butler Bonham came in 
alone to the fort, and Captain Albert Martin of Gonzales, with 
thirty-two men, passed the Mexican lines and entered the 
walls of the Alamo. They had seen Travis' letter to Andrew 
Ponton, in which he said, " We are clef ei'mined to defend the 
Alamo to the last ;'' and his second message to the people of 
Texas, saying, "I shall never' surrender or retreat I Victory 



* Taken from Reuben M. Potter's account of the Fall of the Alamo, printed 
in full in Brown's "General History of Texas," VoL I., chapter 49. 

t The chapel of the fortress was seventy-flve feet long, sixty-two wide, 
and twenty-two and a half feet high ; the wall, of solid masonrj', being four 
feet thick. It was one story high, but had upper windows, under which plat- 
forms were made for mounting cannon to shoot through the windows. There 
was a stone barrack one hundred and eighty-six feet long, eighteen wide and 
eighteen high, being of two stories. This barrack was connected with the 
church. There was another barrack one hundred and fourteen feet long and 
seventeen high. 

9 



130 PERIOD OF REVOLUTIOl^. [1836. 

or death I " and willingly joined the little band^ all of whom 
too were ready neve?' to surrender or retreat. 

239. The Bonibardnieiit of the Town, February 
25th to March 6th. — Santa Anna had expected to find the 
Texians in the Mission of Concepcion^ as it was a small^ strong 
building and could have been held longer than the Alamo. 
Travis wrote to the Convention of Washington^ March 3d, that 
they had been constantly bombarded by two howitzers and a bat- 
tery, and that the enemy were encircling them with trenches. 
He said : ^' At least two hundred shells have falle7i iiiside our 
walls ivithout having injured a single man; indeed, we have 
heen so fortunate as not to lose a single man from any cause, 
and we have hilled many of the enemy. The spirits of my men 
are still high, though they have much to depress them." Travis 
still hoped for reenforcements. When the siege began, they had 
only three bushels of corn. Travis wrote : " TJie Lord is on 
our side. When the enemy appeared in sight, ive had not three 
hushels of corn ; we have since found iii deserted houses eighty 
or niiiety hushels, and got into the walls twenty or thirty head 
of beeves." 

240. The Plan of Attack. — Santa Anna decided that 
the final attack should take place at early dawn. General 
Castrillon had charge of the assault. 

Santa Anna took his station, with a part of his staff and 
all the regimental bands, south of the Alamo and near the 
old bridge, from which the signal was to be given by a bugle 
note for all the columns to move at once, at double-quick 
time, against different points of the fortress. Some of the 
columns had scaling ladders and axes. 

One body of men was to enter the north breach, the other 
two to move against the southern side — one to attack the gate 
of the large area, another to storm the chapel. 

The columns got in position after midnight. By the tim- 
ing of the signal, it was intended that all should reach the 
foot of the wall just as it became light enough to see. 



1836.] 



THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 



131 



When the hour came, the guns and music were silent, and 
a single blast of the bugle was followed by no sound save the 
rushing tramp of soldiers. The guns from the fortress soon 




DAVIT) CROCKETT. 



opened upon them, and then the Mexican bands struck up the 
assassin note, deguello {"wo quarter''). 

241. The Taking- of the Fort.— But a few shots could 



132 



PERIOD OF REVOLUTION. 



[1836. 



be fired before the enemy was under the walls ; and it is 
thought that the worn and weary Texians were not till then 
fully mustered. 

Either the cannon or the deadly fire of the riflemen at the 
north breach, where Travis was in command, brought the col- 
umn to a halt, and its leader, Colonel Duque, fell wounded. 
By this time one of the other columns had gotten inside, and 
the outer wall had to be given up. 

The enemy poured in the north breach, and Travis fell at 
his post, for his body Avas found beside the cannon there. 

242. The Massacre. — All this had happened in a few 

minutes after the bugle sounded. The Mexicans poured in. 

There was no chance to retreat from building to building, as 

there was no way to do it, nor always from room to room. 

Each group of men had to fight and die where it was 

brought to bay. From 
the doors, windows, and 
loopholes, the crack of 
the rifle and hiss of the 
bullet came thick and 
fast. The cannon beside 
which Travis lay was 
turned with others 
against the buildings ; 
shot after shot went 
crashing through the 
doors and barricades, 
each ball followed by a 
storm of musketry and a 
charge, and thus room after room was carried at the point of 
the bayonet, when all within them died fighting to the last, 
often hand to hand. 

The bloodiest spot was the long barrack and the ground in 
front of it, where the Mexicans fell in heaps. Crockett was 
in a room of the smaller barrack, near the gate. He was at 




WHERE BOWIE DIED, IN TUE ALAMO. 



1836.] 



THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 



133 



last left alone, and went ont to meet his fate in the face 
of the foe, and was shot down. Bowie was an invalid, and 
having been badly hurt by a fall, was, when the attack began, 
on his bed in an npper room of the barrack. He was killed 
on his bed, bnt several Mexican bodies were fonnd near him, 
showing he had sold his life dearly. 

The church was soon taken. Here, too, the Texians fought 
to the last, and fired from 
the platform above after 
the Mexicans had the floor. 
The bayonet soon found 
what the bullet had missed ; 
and in the upper part of the 
church the last defender 
must have fallen. The 
morning breeze which re- 
ceived his parting breath 
still fanned his flag above 
the fortress, ere it was 
pulled down by the vic- 
tors.* 

243. The Survivors. 
— It was claimed by some 
that Travis gave his men 
the choice of staying in 
the Alamo or leaving, and that one man left, but there is no 
way of getting at the truth in this. 

The only lives spared were those of Mrs. Dickinson, whose 
husband was killed, and baby girl ; Mrs. Alsbury, a Mexican 
woman born in San Antonio, and her child ; Sefiora Candelaria, 
also a Mexican, and her two children, and a negro man. They 
could not give a correct story of any part of the fighting, ex- 
cepting that which took place in the rooms where they were. 




SENORA CANDELARIA AT 107. 

Survivor of the Alamo. 



* From account of Reuben M. Potter. 



134 



PEKIOD OF REVOLUTIOK. 



[1836. 



Santa Anna ordered the bodies of the Texians to be put in 
a pile with dry wood and burned ; while the Mexican dead, 
between three hundred and five hundred, were buried. 




AFTEll THE FALL OP THE ALA]WO. 

A year later the bones of the Texians were collected by 
Colonel Juan N. Seguin, and buried with military honors.* 

THE MON^UMENT TO THE HEROES. 

In 1841, Nangle, a sculptor from Philadelphia, constructed 
a beautiful monument, about ten feet high, of some of the 
stones of the ruin, on which were inscribed the names of the 



* Santa Anna stayed at the bridge till he thought the massacre almost over, 
when he came up toward the Alamo with his escort, but moved off when a few 
rifle-balls from the upper windows saluted him. He came up again in time to 
order that a few who were still alive in one of the rooms, and asked for quar- 
ter, should be stabbed to death. His report of the assault was that it only 
lasted thirty minutes. It was certainly short, for there were about twenty- 
five hundred Mexicans against one hundred and eighty-three Americans. 
The number of the Mexican dead has been placed at sixteen hundred, which 
is an exaggeration. 



1836.] 



THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 



135 



men who fell in the Alamo ; 
and on the fonr sides of the 
shaft the followiiig inscrip- 
tions : "To the God of tlie 
Fearless and Free is 
dedicated this Altar made 
from the ruins of the Ala- 
mo." '' Blood of Heroes 
hath STAINED ME. Let 
the stones of the Alamo 
SPEAK that their immola- 
tion^ be not FORGOTTEN".'' 
^^Be they en'ROLled with 
Leon'idas in the Host 
of the Mighty Dead.'' 
'' Thermopyl.^ had her 
messenger of defeat, but 
the Alamo had n^one." 

On the frieze w ere 
the n a m e s : '^ Travis," 
" Bowie/' " Crockett/' 
'^ Bonham." This monu- 
ment was purchased by the 
State of Texas in 1857, 
placed in the entrance way 
of the Capitol, and, with 
that building, destroyed 
by fire on November 6, 
1881. 

244. The Effect of 
the News. — AVhen the fall 
of the Alamo became 
known, families began flee- 
ing in whatever way they 
could — men, women, and 




MONUMENT ERECTED TO THE HEROES OF THE 
ALAMO, PLACED IN THE PORTICO OF THE 
CAPITOL AT AUSTIN IN 1858, BURNED WITH 
THAT BUILDING IN 188L INSCRIPTIONS : 
TRAVIS, BOWIE, CROCKETT, BONHAM. 

North Front.— ^o the God of the fearless 
and free is dedicated this altar made from the 
ruins of the Alamo. 

West Front. — Blood of heroes hath stained 
me. Let the stones of the Alamo speak that their 
immolation be not forgotten. 

South Front. — Be they enrolled with Leoui- 
das in the host of the mighty dead. 

East Front.— Thannoiiyli^ had her messen- 
ger of defeat, but the Alamo had none. 



136 PERIOD OF REVOLUTION. [1836. 

cliildreii;, in carts^ on horseback, and on foot, fleeing in terror 
from Santa Anna, with fear of the Indians in their path. The 
whole country west of the Trinity River was left to the enemy.* 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 
XXIV. — The Fall of the Alamo. 

1. Santa Anna's resolution on hearing that San Antonio was taken. 

2. The divisions of his army. 

3. The route planned for each division. 

4. Santa Anna's orders concerning the treatment of prisoners. 

5. What he proposed to do with the country. 

6. The men that held San Antonio. 

7. The appeals for help. 

8. How they were answered. 

9. Description of the Alamo. 

10. The arrival of Santa Anna. 

11. The bombardment of the fort. 

12. The letters sent out by Travis. 

13. The plan of attack. 

14. The taking of the fort. 

15. The massacre. 

16. The survivors. 

17. The monument to the heroes. 

18. The effect produced by the news. 



* To class all the Mexicans at that time as enemies, aiul cruel, heartless 
men, would be a great injustice. At San Jacinto and other jilaces, small num- 
bers fought bravely with and for the Texians. Such men as Manchaca, 
Erasmo Seguin, Verrimendi, Garza, Flores, Rodriguez, and Jose Antonio Na- 
varro must always command our respect. 



1836. 



DESTRUCTION BY UKREA's ARMY. 



137 



CHAPTER XXV. 



THE DESTRUCTION WROUGHT BY URREA'S ARMY, 1836. 



"^^•^^^t ,^^/:'f ^^i^ "-' 



245. What the Council Wished to Do.— The Council 
had appointed James B. Fannin and Frank W. Johnson agents 
to borrow money, raise companies of soldiers, and buy horses 
and supplies, for an expedition against Matamoras. 

The Council wanted to build a line of forts from San An- 
tonio, by the way of Goliad and San Patricio, to the Rio Grande 
at Matamoras, with agents at each fort. (See map, p. 73.) 

24G. On to Matamoras. — It was hard for all to agree 
about anything at that time. Johnson refused to cooper- 
ate with Fannin. 
He decided to join 
Dr. James Grant, 
who had been 
a brave surgeon 
at the storming 
of San Antonio 
(§ 312), but had 
raised the cry. On 
to Matamoras, 
which many of 
the volunteers at 
San Antonio an- 
swered, and they 
left, taking with 
them some of the 

su^iplies intended for the soldiers at the Alamo (§ 230), to 
meet Johnson near Goliad. 




MEXICAN CHILDKEN IN lK3t) 



138 PERIOD OF REVOLUTION. [1836. 

247. Fate of Johnson's Men. — Fannin sent word to 
Johnson to get as many horses as possible and bring them to 
Goliad. For this purpose Grant and Johnson divided their 
men. Johnson bought a number of horses, and his men 
brought them into San Patricio and waited for Grant's party 
to arrive. 

The v/eather was very cold, and the men poorly clothed. 
They thought themselves safe, and did not put out sentinels. 
In the night the Mexicans surrounded the house, and killed or 
captured all but Johnson and four others, who escaped through 
a back door. The night was very dark, and they were able to 
hide themselves. 

248. The Fate of Grant and his Men. — After capturing 
several hundred horses, and buying some at one dollar a head. 
Grant was returning to San Patricio. AVhile passing between 
two large motts, or groves, near the Agua Bulce, they were 
surrounded bv several hundred dras^oons under Urrea himself. 
All but two men. Grant and Eeuben E. Brown, were killed. 

The horses stampeded and broke through the Mexican 
lines. Grant and Brown followed them. They were chased 
a few miles, when Grant fell pierced by several lances. He had 
lived in Mexico, and was well known to some of the Mexicans. 
After he fell, several officers ran their swords through his body. 
Brown was finally roped and thrown to the ground, then tied 
on a horse and taken back to where the fight began. He saw 
the bodies of his comrades lying dead. A week later he was 
taken out to be shot, but was saved by a priest and a Mexican 
lady, Senora Alvarez, who begged for his life. The loss under 
Johnson and Grant was eighty-five men. 

249. Houston's Order to Fannin at Goliad. — Fannin 
received orders from Houston, on March 13th, to blow up the 
fort at Goliad, sink the cannon in tlie river, and fall back 
to Victoria. 

250. Fannin's Reasons for not Obeying- more 
Proini)tly. — As he was the agent of the Council, Fannin 



183G.] DESTRUCTION BY URREA'S ARMY. 139 

did not at once obey Houston's orders, but waited six days. 
When General Houston heard that the lower division of 
Santa Annans army, under General Urrea, was advancing, he 
sent again to Fannin to retreat, if he had not already done so, 
to some place from which he could reach the main army if 
possible. Fannin had waited too long. Houston's last order 
was never received. 

251. Why King- and Ward were Sent back. — In 
Houston's first order he had told Fannin to give every help to 
women and children who might wish to leave. 

In answer to an urgent request from Refugio, Fannin had 
sent Captain King to escort a family from that place, as the 
Mexicans were near. On arriving at Refugio, King met a 
large Mexican force that drove him into the old mission, 
from which he sent in great haste to Fannin for assistance. 
Colonel Ward with one hundred and fifty men went to King's 
relief, and was successful. 

252. Fate of King-'s Men. — Instead of going back to 
Goliad at once. King took his men to fight some rancheros 
who he thought were not loyal to the Americans. The ranch- 
men forced him back ; he tried to retreat, but lost his way ; 
after wandering all night, the party was surrounded by some 
of Urrea's soldiers, and every one shot. 

253. Fate of Ward's Men.— Ward was still in the old 
mission, and, hearing the firing, went again with his men to 
King's relief, when they were met by a force of six hundred 
Mexicans. They retreated to the mission, and were able to 
put them to flight. 

In the night Ward retreated, but was not acquainted with 
the country and got lost ; a few days afterward, he and his 
men were taken prisoners and carried to Goliad, where they 
were shot with Fannin and his men (§259). 

254. Fannin's Retreat. — As soon as he heard of the 
fate of his men, Fannin began his preparations for a retreat. 
He intended trying to reach Travis in the Alamo, but 



140 PERIOD OF REVOLUTION. [1836. 

waited until next day. The scouts reported a large number 
of the enemy in the neighborhood. Another day was lost 
in light skirmishing. Early on the 19th the retreat com- 
menced. The artillery and wagons were drawn by oxen, which 
were poor and weak when they started. 

Fannin^s experience at the battle of Concepcion (§ 206), 
where he had the ever cool and prudent Bowie to rely upon, 
had given him a contempt for the Mexicans as soldiers, and he 
neglected to take the precautions he should have taken with 
the enemy so far his superior in number. 

They halted on the 2:»rairie to rest the animals and let them 
graze. The scouts on horseback reported no Mexicans in 
sight. Four horsemen had been left in the rear as lookouts, 
and they lay down to rest. 

255. Battle of the Colita. — Fannin had reached a low 
ridge when two companies of Mexican cavalry and one of 
infantry were seen in the rear. The Texians halted and fired 
three shots from their six-pound cannon, but they fell short 
of the Mexicans. 

The four men who had been lookouts now came up at full 
speed. Only one stopped ; the other three ran on to some 
place of safety.* Several small bodies of Mexicans could be 
seen coming from the woods. Fannin said they were only 
skirmishers. Captain Albert C. llorton with about fifty scouts 
was in the neighborhood, and Fannin looked for them to again 
join him at any moment. Unfortunately Horton was cut off 
by the enemy, and was never able to reach Fanniii, although 
he tried to do so several times. 

Fannin's men moved on, but were brought to a halt by one 
of their ammunition carts breaking down. The Mexicans at- 
tacked them. Fannin's artillery was of little use during the 
fight, which lasted from three o'clock in the afternoon until 

*The one who joined his comrades was a German named Herman Ehren- 
burc;. It is pleasing to state that, while he was one of those marched out to be 
shot (§260), he was owe of the twenty-gix who escaped. 



1836.] DESTRUCTION BY URREA's ARMY. 141 

night. The enemy then drew off and camped in the timber, 
leaving the Texians surrounded by patrols. 

256. The Condition of Fannin's Men. — A night of 
intense darkness followed. The Texians were without water, 
and all, especially the sixty wounded men, were suffering from 
thirst. It was found, that, from some oversight, their pro- 
visions had been left behind. Their animals were killed or 
strayed off during the fight. Although Fannin was wounded 
in the thigh, and part of his rifle had been shot away, he was 
perfectly cool. 

257. The Surrender, March 20th.— The dismal night 
passed, and by the early morning light it was seen that the 
enemy were being reenforced by men and cannon. 

The question was now asked. Should they surrender ? 
They had little to hope for, with the fate of Johnson and 
King so fresh in their minds. 

Their only hope for escape was by a desperate rush through 
the main body of the Mexicans into the timber. The officers 
talked it over, and put the question to the men. Dr. Shackle- 
ford, who was in command of a company of young men and 
boys called the Red Rovers, many of whom were wounded, 
refused to do anything that would cause him to leave them. 
Fannin said : "We loliipped them out yesterday, and ive can 
do it again to-day." The cries of the wounded and dying 
for water, and the impossibility of escape, soon caused all 
to make up their minds ; Fannin ordered a white flag to 
be raised. 

258. The Terms of Surrender. — The Mexicans^ white 
flag met Fannin's midway between the forces. General Urrea 
and his officers came out to meet Fannin and Major Wallace 
with an interpreter. 

Dr. Shackleford urged Fannin not to surrender unless he 
could get terms which they could rely upon ; if he could not, 
to "come hack. Our graves are already dug. Let us all he 
hiried together." All were equally determined. 



142 PERIOD OF REVOLUTION". [1836. 

It was agreed^ and the papers signed by the officers of both 
armies, that they should surrender as prisoners of war, and be 
treated according to the custom of civilized nations ; that the 
wounded should be taken to Goliad and properly cared for, and 
tliat all private property should be respected. 

Colonel Holtzinger, a German officer in the Mexican army, 
came to receive their arms. The first words he spoke were, 
"Well, gentlemen, in eiglit days, liberty and liome." 

Besides Dr. Shackleford there were Drs. J. E. Field, J. H. 
Barnard, and Ferguson, who did all in their power for their 
own wounded, and about one hundred of the enemy's. All 
were taken back to Goliad, where they were crowded into the 
church together. Fannin and his adjutant Chad wick were 
taken to Oopano, but brought back on the 26th. They were 
in good spirits. Fannin's' w^ound was dressed by Dr. Barnard, 
and he talked far into the night of his wife and children. All 
hands felt more hopeful than at any time since the surrender. 

259. The Massacre.— At daylight, March 27th— Palm 
Sunday — Colonel Garay, a Mexican officer, called the doctors, 
and told them to go to his quarters in a peach orchard three 
or four hundred yards from the fort. In his tent they saw 
two men lying on the ground entirely covered up. 

While waitiug for Colonel Garay, they heard a volley of fire- 
arms in the direction of the fort, and were told it was some 
soldiers cleaning their guns. But they heard the voices of 
their comrades, and started to them. 

Colonel Garay now came up, w^ith the greatest distress 
showing in his face, and said : " Keep still, gentlemen, you 
are safe. This is not from my orders, nor do I carry them 
out." He then told them that an order had come the day 
before to shoot all the prisoners, but he had determined to save 
them and about one dozen others.* The prisoners w^ere 

*Dr. Sliackleford's company was made up of the sons of his neighbors 
and friends, his own oldest boy, and two nephews. His agony of mind can 
only be imagined. 



1836.] DESTRUCTIOiq^ BY URREA'S ARMY. 143 

marched out in three companies, one on the Bexar road, one 
on the Corpus Ohristi road, and two toward the lower ford. 

Guarded by a file of soldiers on each side, they went about 
three-fourths of a mile, when they were halted, and one of the 
files of guards passed through the ranks of prisoners to the 
other side, and then all fired together. The prisoners had 
been told different stories, such as, they were going for wood, 
to drive up beeves, to go to Copano on their way home ; and 
it was not until the guns were at their breasts that they knew 
what was before them. Many, and some of them mere boys, 
showed the bravest spirit. Several called to their comrades 
'^ to die like men;'' ^' to meet death idWi Spartan firmness ;" 
and others, waving their hats, cried, " Hurrah for Texas!'' 

Colonel Fannin, on account of his wound, was kept in the 
fort. AVhen told that he was to be shot he heard it calmly, and 
giving his watch and money to the officer in charge, to be sent 
to his wife, asked that he might not be shot in the head, and 
that his body be decently buried. lie was shot in the head, 
and his body stripped and thrown into a pile with the others. 

The wounded, lying in the hospital, were dragged into the 
fort and shot. Their bodies, with Fannin^s, were drawn out 
less than a mile and thrown down. 

260. The Few who Escaped. — ^Twenty-eight escaped by 
running through the guards, as they fired, into the timber. 

Through the kindness of Colonel Claray and other Mexican 
officers, with Senora Alvarez, about twenty-nine others were 
saved. The officers slipped into the fort at night and took out 
as many as they dared to, and kept them hidden until the mas- 
sacre was over. The three men covered up in Garay's tent 
were among them (§ 259).* 

* As one of the bands of prisoners was marching out of town to be shot, 
Senora Alvarez, whose liusband was one of Urrea's officers, saw them from 
tlie sitlewalli. She heard Colonel Holtzinger say that he wanted to take one 
of them out for service in the hospital — a mere ruse to save another life. At 
that moment she saw a boy among them, and begged the colonel to let her 



144 PEEIOD OF REVOLUTIOI^. [1836. 

261. The Excuses Offered for this Treachery. — Santa 
Anna claimed that most of the men wlio were in the armies of 
Texas were not fighting for tlieir rights, bnt invaders from the 
United States come to aid Texas in a rebellion. For those 
who raised the flag of rebellion^ no name or treatment was too 
severe. Pirates ! Banditti ! He said that Fannin's men set 
fire to tlie place before leaving Goliad ; the provisions w^ere 
barely enough for his own people ; he had no cavalry to conduct 
them as far as Matamoras. Santa Anna wrote to the officer in 
command at Goliad : " The supreme government has ordered 
that all foreigners taken with arms in their hands shall be 
treated as pirates. I therefore order that you shall give imme- 
diate effect to the said ordinance. I trust that, in reply to 
this, you will inform me that public vengeance has been satis- 
fied by the punishment of such detestable delinquents." * 

have charge of him. He beckoned the boy to him, ami placed him in her 
charge. He was a Kentuclcy boy named Benjamin Franklin Hughes, just 
fifteen years old. He was afterward in the United States navy, and visited 
nearly all the ports in the world. He died at his home in Dallas, Tex., nearly 
sixty years after the massacre. 

* General Portilla, commandant at Goliad, wrote in his journal to this 
effect : At seven o'clock on the 26th he received orders from Santa Anna to 
shoot every prisoner. An hour later orders came from Urrea, who had gone 
on to Victoria : " Treat the prisoners with consideration, particularly' their 
leader, Fannin." " How cruel is my state of uncertainty ! Colonel (Jaray and 
myself thought of nothing less than such a thing." On the 27th he wrote : 
" It was executed. A great struggle of feeling among the officers aii^ soldiers 
— a profound silence ! Sad at heart, I wrote to General Urrea, expressing 
my regret at having been concerned in so painful an affair." In his letter to 
Urrea, Portilla wrote : " I feel much distressed at Avhat has occurred here, 
a scene enacted in cold blood. ... I came, as you know, with these poor 
Indians [Yucatan Indians, never hostile, a gentle, honest race], to cooperate 
for my country's good." He added : " I am willing to do anything save the 
work of a public executioner by receiving orders to put more persons to 
death." 



1836.] DESTRUCTION" BY URREA's ARMY. 145 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 
XXV. — The Destruction wrought by Urrea's Army. 

1. What the council wished to do. 

2. "On to Matamoras." 

3. The fate of Johnson's men. 

4. The fate of Grant and his men. 

5. Houston's order to Fannin. 

G. Fannin's reasons for not obeying more promptly. 

7. Why King and Ward were sent back. 

8. Fate of King's men. 

9. Fate of Ward's men. 
;.0. Fannin's retreat. 

11. The battle of the Colita. 

13. The condition of Fannin's men. 

13. The surrender. 

14. The terms of the surrender. 

15. The confinement of the prisoners. 

16. The massacre of Goliad. 

17. The few who escaped. 

18. The excuses offered for this treachery. 



146 PERIOD OF EEVOLUTIOI^. [1836. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

Houston's retreat and santa anna's advance, 1836. 

262. Houston at Gonzales. — It had been General Hous- 
ton's plan to meet Santa Anna on the Guadalupe River as he 
advanced from San Antonio. But he had to wait until the 
Convention reelected him Commander-in-Chief. He then 
went to take command of the volunteers collected in Gonzales 
in answer to the appeals from Travis (§ 218). He arrived 
about three o'clock in the afternoon, March 11th. That night 
news reached him that the Alamo had fallen, and Santa Anna 
was advancing. 

On the same night Houston sent an order to Fannin 
to retreat, and join him, if possible (§ 228). Two days later 
Houston retreated. The volunteers were untrained, and were 
not well su2)plied with ammunition or sujoplies. 

263. The Excitement Produced by News from the 
Alamo. — The greatest excitement was felt when it was known 
that Santa Anna was advancing and Houston going to retreat. 
Families left their homes and fled to places of safety. Many 
houses were burned after the families left, but not by Houston's 
orders, to prevent their giving shelter and supplies to the 
Mexicans. 

264. Houston's Movements. — In less than a week, 
Houston had crossed the Colorado. By this time his army 
>vas almost doubled in size. When it became necessary to 
retreat still farther, many of tlie men left to remove their 
families from Santa Anna's path. 

265. A Temptation that was Resisted. — Having 
learned through his scouts that General Sesma with over seven 
hundred men was camped on the opposite side of the Colorado, 



1836.] 



HOUSTON AKD SANTA ANNA. 



147 



Houston^s men were eager to attack them ; at one time Hons- 
ton decided to risk a fight, but, believing his army would soon 
have reenforcements from Nacogdoches and the Red River 
country, and being advised against it by Thomas J. Rusk, 
Secretary of War, he changed his mind. 

266. Ke'eiiforcements Keceived. — On the Colorado, 
two regiments were or- 
ganized. Sidney Sher- 
man, who had, come 
from Kentucky with 
eighty volunteers, and 
Edward Burleson were 
elected colonels. 

Colonel Edward Har- 
court was ordered to de- 
fend Velasco with the 
men he could find there ; 
Colonel Alanson Huston 
was to move the public 
stores to Galveston 
Island from Cox's 
Point. 

Galveston Avas in 
charge of Colonel James 
Morgan ; Mosely Baker 
guarded the crossing of 
the Brazos opposite San Felipe, and Wyley Martin at Fort 
Bend ; each had a few men. 

267. The Army in the Brazos Bottom. — All had 
hoped that it would not be necessary to retreat across the 
Brazos, but Houston thought best to do so. On the first day 
of April Houston camped, without tents, in the Brazos bottom, 
in the midst of trees, mud, and water ; there was a rise in the 
river. From here his scouts, Henry W. Karnes and '^Deaf " 
Smith, kept track of the enemy's movements ; and Houston 




SIDNEY SHERMAN. 



148 PERIOD OF REVOLUTIOK. [1836. 

wrote letters to the committees of safety and the panic-stricken 
citizens telling them that the safety of all would be best 
assured by making the army as large as j^ossible. lie and 
his officers drilled the men and tried to get everything' in 
fighting order. Here news of the fate of Johnson and Grant, 
Ward and King, and of Fannin, reached them. The men in 
camp were impatient and excited. « 

268. The Twin Sisters. — During the second week in 
April Houston broke camp and crossed the river in a little 
steamboat and a skiff. Where the JSTacogdoches and Harrisburg 
roads crossed, they were joined by Baker and the Ttuin Sisters, 
two small cannon that had been sent out as a gift from the 
citizens of Cincinnati.* From this place they marched 
raj^idly to Harrisburg after Santa Anna. 

269. Santa Anna's Estimate of Himself. f — After the 
fall of the Alamo, Santa Anna thought there was little else for 
him to do than to overrun and hold the country by sending 
troops to the larger places. 

Hearing of the surrender of Goliad, he ordered the prisoners 
to be shot, and felt angry when the blame fell upon him. He 
said he was only carrying out the orders of the supreme, or 
home, government, which sent messages complimenting him 
on the brilliant victories he had gained, saying that he had 
won laurels of fame. 

He now decided that his officers, with a few soldiers, should 
go on and take possession of the country. His private secre- 
tary, Almonte, was to resurvey the lands, and give them out to 
any foreigners excepting Americans. The finest places were 
to be given to Mexican families. Santa Anna himself intended 
to return to the City of Mexico with the cavalry and artillery, to 

* They had been packed in such a way as to look like common merchandise, 
and marked hollow ware, in case the boat they were shipped on should be 
cai)tured. 

t From a pamphlet, published in the City of Mexico, by General Filisola, 
next in command to Santa Anna. 



1836.] HOUSTOK AKD SANTA AKNA. 149 

carry out his plans there. Filisola was to be left in command 
of Texas. Orders were given for the homeward march. 

270. Wliy he did not Return to Mexico. — Almonte 
was a friend and confidant of Santa Anna, and had studied 
the people of Texas when he spent the summer among them 
two years before (§ 191). He now reminded his general that 
the people who claimed the soil of Texas had not been con- 
quered. 

Filisola also urged, through Almonte, that Santa Anna 
should not think the Texians were conquered, and word 
reached him from General Sesma of skirmishes in which the 
Texians had been the victors. He then gave up the idea of 
going home until the colonists were completely overcome. 

271. The Three Divisions of his Army. — Santa Anna 
planned for three divisions of his army to enter and sweep 
over the country, drive the people across the Sabine, and shoot 
all prisoners found in arms against Mexico. 

272. What was Planned for Each to Do. — Urrea was 
to take the coast, going on through Matagorda and Galveston, 
to the Sabine ; Gaona was to follow the upper route to Nacog- 
doches ; Santa Anna himself, with the main army of four 
thousand, under Filisola as second in command, was to form 
the central division. 

All the officers of the new government which Santa Anna 
expected to set up in Texas were with him. Partly from 
swollen streams and boggy roads, but chiefly from over con- 
fidence in himself, Santa Anna was led to scatter his army. 

He sent a message to Houston by a negro prisoner, saying : 
" Tell Mr. Houston that I know where he is up there in the 
bushes ; and as soon as I whip the land thieves down here, I 
will go up there and smoke him out.^^ 

273. Santa Anna's Disappointment at Harrisburg. 
— Ordering Sesma with a thousand men to stay at Fort Bend, 
and Filisola to stay between Fort Bend and San Feli23e, Santa 
crossed the Brazos with one small cannon. 



150 PERIOD OF REVOLUTION. - [1836. 

His plan was to march on Harrisbnrg, and capture Presi- 
dent Burnet and his cabinet, with the archives. Finding they 
had moved on to New Washington, he burned Harrisburg and 
rushed on, with his escort of five hundred men, after tliem. 

The President, with Bailey Hardeman, a member of his 
cabinet, was in a little boat about fifty yards from the shore 
when Almonte, who was ahead of Santa Anna, rode up. They 
went on to Galveston with shots from the Mexicans skipping 
over the water after them. 

Santa Anna had missed his prize. 

274. How Houston's Hopes were Realized. — When 
he learned that Santa Anna held both sides of the Brazos with 
his men scattered, Houston realized the Mexicans were just 
where he wanted them — in a condition that would enable him 
to fight and whip them in different bodies, far from their 
supplies, in a country where defeat would mean ruin. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Millard had command of the Texian 
infantry, Henry W. Karnes of the cavalry, and Isaac N. More- 
land of the artillery. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 
XXVI. — Houston's Retreat and Santa Anna's Advance. 

1. Houston at Gonzales. 

2. The excitement produced by the news from the Alamo. 

3. Houston's movements. 

4. A temptation that was resisted. 

5. The reenforcements that were received. 

6. The army in the Brazos bottom. 

7. The " Twin Sisters." 

8. Santa Anna's estimate of himself. 

9. Why he did not return to Mexico. 

10. The three divisions of his army. 

11. What was planned for each to do. 

12. Santa Anna's disappointment at Harrisburg. 

13. How Houston's hopes were realized. 



183G.] 



THE BATTLE OF SAJ^ JACIJ^^TO. 



151 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

THE BATTLE OF SAIT JACII^TO, APRIL 21, 1836. 

275. The Movements of Santa Anna and Houston. 

-Houston was disappointed in the number of his reenforce- 




BATTLEFIELD OF SAN JACINTO. 



ments, and there were great fears of an Indian uprising,* 
which kept many from daring to leave their homes. 

By a forced march, the army reached the east side of 



* Houston sent Jacob H. Sheppard to talk with the Indians on the Trinity 
River, and get them to help him or keep qniet — not to join the Mexicans. On 
leaving, Sheppard asked: "Where shall I find you, General ? " Houston 
replied : " Tell all the people you see, that I am determined to fight at the 
first chance ; and if I should meet with a reverse, I will be sure to make 
noise enough for you and the Indians to follow me." 



152 PEEIOD OF REVOLUTIOK. [1836. 

Buffalo Bayou J opposite Harrisburg, about noon, April 18th. 
Santa Anna was on the west side. 

''Deaf" Smith acted as a scout and brought in two prison- 
ers ; one was a bearer of despatches from Filisola to Santa 
Anna. From these despatches Houston learned that Harris- 
burg had been burned, and that Santa Anna was across the 
bayou with a small division of his army. 

Houston was delighted at this news. He knew that, in 
passing down, Santa Anna had been compelled to cross Vince's 
bridge ; that over this bridge was his only way of getting word 
to Filisola, and his only way of escaping in case he wa-s defeated. 

He determined to cross the bayou next day and hunt uj) 
General Santa Anna. 

276. The Addresses of Houston and Rusk, March 
19th. — When morning came Houston told his men what he had 
determined to do. If there were any who did not wish to cross 
the bayou, they need not go. Some would perish, but it was 
glorious to fall in such a cause, and their cry should be, "Be- 
member the Alamo I " '^Reme7nler Goliad ! " and their motto, 
'^ Victory or death/' for there would be no chance of retreat. 

General Eusk followed in a speech that added to the resolve 
of the men to win the battle or die. Not a man able to walk but 
begged to cross the bayou. Even sick men wept at being left 
behind. Men had to be drafted to guard the camp and the sick.* 

277. The Size of the Two Armies. — In the morning 
of the day of the battle, Cos joined Santa Anna with five 
hundred men. The enemy now had over fifteen hundred 
men, while the Texians numbered over seven hundred. 

278. What each Army was Fighting- for. — Unlike 
Santa Anna and a few of his friends, the Mexican soldiers had 
no bitter hatred toward the colonists, but were simply fighting 
for pay or the love of adventure ; while the Texians were 
fighting for their homes, wives, children, and all that is dearest 

* Many were ill 'with the measles. 



1836.] THE BATTLE OF SAJ^" JACINTO. 153 

to the heart. They knew that anxious, eager ones were watch- 
ing and hoping for good news after the sad tidings from the 
Ahxmo and Goliad. But " lie is thrice armed that hath his 
quarrel just," and a victory over the Texians would have been 
a dearly bought one just then. 

2 79. Vince's Bridg-e. — When Cos passed down to join 
Santa Anna, he had made a pretence of attacking the guard 
and carnj^ Avliere the sick Texians lay. Houston at once sent 
^'^Deaf " Smith with six men to burn and destroy the bridge, 
and declared he would fight before the enemy could get more 
reenforcements, and while his own men were rested.* 

At two o'clock Smith reported the bridge destroyed. A 
part of the guard at Harrisburg reached it in time to open fire 
on Cos's rear guard, which fled, leaving their baggage. These 
supplies were heartily enjoyed by the hungry Texians. 

280. The Plan of Attack.f — The Texians expected an 
attack as soon as Cos reached Santa Anna; but at three o'clock, 
the Mexicans, instead of showing signs of attacking, were busy 
fortifying. It was decided to attack them, and in half an 
hour the Texians were formed in four divisions : the right 
wing under Colonel Millard; the left under Sidney Sherman; 
Colonel Burleson's division in the centre; the Twin Sisters 
(§ 268), in charge of Hockley, Moreland, and Stillwell, were 
on Burleson's right. The cavalry, under Mirabeau B. Lamar, 
on the right of all. 

281. The Battle Cry. — All moved forward in good order 
and high spirits. Colonel Sherman rang the war cry, and offi- 
cers and men advanced, shouting : '^Remember tlie Alamo!" 
^'Remember Goliad!'' ''Alamo and Goliad" became the 
battle cry. Their charge was met by the guns and cannon of 
the enemy. Houston was with the infantry, and was soon 
wounded in the leg. 

*The men with "Deaf" Smith were John Coker, E. R. Rainwater, Young 

R. Alsbury, Denmore Rives, John Garner, and Lapliam. 

t From reports of Houston and Rusk to President Burnet, 



N 



154 PERIOD OF REVOLUTION. [1836. 

In ten minutes after the first gun was fired, tlie Texians 
were charging through the Mexican camp. Officers and men 
fled down the river, on horseback and on foot, followed by the 
Texians for four miles. Some took to the prairie, with the 
Texian cavalry after them ; others were shot while trying to 
swim the San Jacinto River. In the breastworks there was 
fighting hand to hand. Their rifles had no bayonets, and the 
Texians used their guns as war clubs, breaking many of them 
off at the breech. 

The rout began at half -past four, and the jmrsuit was kept 
up until twilight, when a guard was left in charge of Santa 
Anna's camp, and the Texians went back to their own with 
their killed and wounded. 

282. Losses on Each Side. — The Texian loss was very 
small in killed and wounded.* The enemy had six hundred 
and thirty killed and two hundred and eight wounded. 

About six hundred muskets, three hundred sabres, and two 
hundred pistols, several hundred horses and mules, and twelve 
thousand dollars in specie were taken. 

283. The Ciiptvire of Some Noted Generals. — Cap- 
tain Karnes and a few cavalrymen pursued the Mexican 
cavalry as far as Vince's bridge, killing some, and taking 
others prisoners, f 

Throughout the night Karnes guarded a thicket into which 
three Mexicans, leaving their horses, had gone to hide the 
evening before ; but, when morning came, only one was to be 
found. He surrendered, and proved to be Almonte, Santa 
Anna's secretary. He said that the two who had been with 
him were Santa Anna and Cos. Karnes, with four men, 
started after them, and soon overtook Cos and some other offi- 

* Houston gave two killed and twenty-three wounded. Rusk wrote seven 
slain and fifteen wounded. In fact, seven w ere killed and twenty-seven wounded. 

t All during the battle, and afterward, the Mexicans showed they expected 
to be done by as they had done, and called out : " J/e 7io Alamo!'''' " J/e no Goliad! ^^ 
to claim they had not been at either place to take part in the butcheries. 



1836.] THE BATTLE OF SAN^ JACINTO. 155 

cers. Cos inquired of "^ Deaf Smith " whether General Cos had 
been killed or captured ? Smith replied : '^ He has been 
neither. I am looking for him noAV^, for he is one scoundrel I 
wish to kill in person. ''' Cos was safe, however. 

On the 22d, six cavalrymen, among them James A. Sylves- 
ter, were sent back to cam}:) by Colonel Burleson. They saw a 
man some distance off ; Sylvester rode in that direction, Avhile 
the others followed a bend in the bayou. 

On reaching the spot, Sylvester found the man lying down 
to hide in the tall grass. Sylvester ordered him to get up, and 
was soon joined by the rest of the men. The prisoner wore the 
garb of a common soldier, excepting a very fine shirt. His cap- 
tors did not dream who he Avas. One of them understood a little 
Spanish, and to him the prisoner said that he belonged to the 
cavalry, that he had left his horse the evening before to keep from 
being captured by the Texians, and was not used to walking. The 
camp was about eight miles away, and the prisoner walked about 
two miles. He then rode into camp behind Sylvester, and was 
recognized by the Mexican prisoners,who exclaimed in low voices: 
" The President ! The President I General Santa Ajina ! " 

284. The Interview between Houston and Santa 
Anna. — Sylvester turned his prize over to Colonel Hockley 
and Major Ben Fort Smith, who escorted him to General Hous- 
ton, who, suffering from his wound, was lying on a pallet under 
a large tree. Colonel Hockley said : " General Houston, here 
is Santa Anna ! " Santa Anna spoke rapidly in Spanish to 
Houston, who called upon Moses Austin Bryan to interpret what 
he had said : ^^I am Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, President 
of Mexico, commander-in-chief of the army of operations, and 
I put myself at the disposition of the brave General Houston. 
I wish to be treated as a general should be when a prisoner of 
war.^^ General Houston then raised himself upon his right 
arm, and, pointing to an ammunition chest, replied : ^'Ah, ah ! 
indeed. General Santa Anna. Happy to see you. General. 
Take a seat, take a seat ! " 



156 



PERIOD OP KEVOLUTION. 



[1836. 



Nearly tlie whole army crowded around tlie two generals, 
Moses Austin Bryan and Lorenzo de Zavala, Jr., acting as 
inter^ireters. 

Santa Anna at once wanted to make arrangements for his 
release ; but Houston told him that the civil, not the military, 
branch of the government would have to settle that, and that 




DAGGER PRESENTED TO SAM HOUSTON BY SANTA ANNA.* 



nothing could be done until President Burnet and the cabinet 
arrived. Santa Anna said he preferred to deal with soldiers, f 



* Colonel Andrew J. Houston, son of General Sam Houston, will this 
evening express to Mayor Caldwell, of Cincinnati, the dagger which General 
Santa Anna handed to his captors at the battle of San Jacinto, in 1836. 

Just before this battle. General Houston received two brass six-pounders as 
a present from the ladies of the city of Cincinnati, and the cannon were used 
for the first time in that battle. 

Colonel Houston has concluded to present the dagger to the city of Cincin- 
nati in recognition of the aid that city rendered the cause of Texas independence 
in its darkest hour. He has had some correspondence with Mayor Caldwell 
upon the subject, and that official writes that he will gladly present it to the 
cit}', and see that the weapon is duly labelled and given a prominent i>lace in 
a public museum. 

The dagger has a twelve-inch blade of the finest Toledo steel, and a six- 
inch handle mounted with gold. The scabbard is made of tortoise-shell with 
numerous bands of gold encircling it. 

The dagger was on exhibition at the Spring Palace in Fort Worth, and 
narrowly escaped destruction when the palace burned. The point of the 
scabbard was broken off in rescuing it from the flames. 

The blade of the dagger is slightly disfigured in a few places by rust. 

(From Dallas Daily News and Dallas Times- Herald.) 

+ Houston then asked him how he expected to negotiate, in view of what 
had haj)i)ened at the Alamo. Santa Anna replied that Houston was well 



1836.] THE BATTLE OF SAN" JACINTO. 157 

Santa Anna asked for Sylvester and his comrades, saying 
that he owed his life to them. Almonte was brought and 
allowed to stay with him.* 

285. Santa Anna's Orders to Filisola.^Santa Anna 
proposed to send an order to General Filisola to leave Texas 

aware of that rule of war wliich authorized putting to the sword the garrison 
of a fortress, who, on summons, refused to surrender, and by such refusal caused 
useless shedding of blood. Houston replied that such had once been the 
rule, but he considered it obsolete and a disgrace to the age. He added : 
" But, General Santa Anna, you cannot urge the same excuse for the massacre 
of Colonel Fannin and his men at Goliad. They capitulated, were betrayed 
and massacred in cold blood. 'I Santa Anna replied : " If they capitulated, I 
was not aware of it. Urrea deceived me, and informed me that they Avere 
vanquished, and I had orders from my Government to execute all tliat were 
taken with arms in their hands." Houston replied, with truth: "General 
Santa Anna, you are the Government ! A dictator has no superior." Santa 
Anna answered : " I have the order of congress to treat all that were found 
witli arms in their hands, resisting the authority of the Government, as 
pirates. Urrea has deceived me. He had no authority to enter into any 
agreement ; and if I live to regain power, he shall be punished for it." 

* Juan Nepomuceno was the son of General Maria Morelos, who in 1816, 
while leading the Mexican patriots and congress through a mountain pass, 
was overwhelmed and captured by the Spanish royalist troops, and soon 
afterward executed in the City of Mexico. Seeing his son, a boy of fourteen 
or fifteen years, a short distance in the rear, at the moment of his own capture, 
Morelos, pointing to the thick woods on the mountain side, exclaimed, " Al 
monte ! Al monte ! " in English signifying, "■ To the mountains ! To the 
mountains I " The boy obeyed the injunction, and with some of the patriot 
soldiers escaped. By these soldiers he was surnamed, in commemoration of 
his father's last injunction, "Almonte," hence Juan Nepomuceno Almonte. 
He was educated in the United States, and was a good English scholar, and 
ever a steadfast friend of Santa Anna. His visit to Texas in1834 has been 
mentioned. He was for some years minister to the United States. After the 
final downfall of Santa Anna in 1855, true to his monarchical principles, 
Almonte became allied with the French intervention, and was in the cabinet 
of Maximilian ; but, when that prince fell, he escaped to France, and there 
died, two or three years later, an exile from his own country. In the City of 
Mexico, in 1865, I had a pleasant interview with him, in which he expressed a 
strong regard for a number of Texians with whom he had been thrown while 
a prisoner in 18.36. He was a man of fine physical appearance and gentlemanly 
address, and spoke in terms of affection of Colonel Barnard E. Bee and 
George W. Hockley. His admiration for Generals Houston and Rusk was 
expressed without reservation. — J. H. B, 



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160 



PERIOD OF REVOLUTION. 



[1836. 



with the troops under him. 
General Rusk replied that, 
his chief being a prisoner, 
Filisola would not obey the 
order. Santa Anna said that 
his officers loved him so much, 
that they would obey his 
orders, wiiatever they might 
be. Then General Rusk said : 
^' Colonel Almonte, tell Santa 
Anna to order Filisola and 
his army to surrender as pris- 
oners of war.^' Santa Anna 
answered that he was but a 
single Mexican, but would 
do nothing that would dis- 
grace either himself or his 
nation. It was fiually agreed 
that he should send an order 
for Filisola to leave Texas without unnecessary delay.* 




THE BRIGHAM SAN JACINTO MONUMENT. 



* Translation of the order : 

Army of Operations, Camp op San Jacinto, Ap7il 22, 1836. 
His Excellency Don Vicente Filisola, Oeneral of Division : 

Excellent Sir : Having yesterday evening, witli tlie small division under my 
immediate command, had an encounter with the enemy, which, notwithstand- 
ing I had previously taken all possible precautions, proved unfortunate, I am, 
in consequence, a prisoner in the hands of the enemy. Under these circum- 
stances, your Excellency will order General Gaona, with his division, to coun- 
termarch to Bexar and wait for orders. Youi- Excellency will also, with the 
division under your command, march to the same place. The division under 
General Urrea will retire to Guadalupe Victoria. I have agreed with General 
Houston for an armistice, until matters shall be so regulated that the war shall 
cease forever. 

Your Excellency will take the proper steps for the support of the army, 
which from this time remains under your command, using the moneys lately 
arrived from Matamoras, the provisions on hand there as well as in Victoria, 
and also the twenty thousand withdrawn from Bexar and in that treasury. 

I hope your Excellency will, without failure, comply with these coudi- 



1836.] THE BATTLE OF SAN" JACINTO. 161 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 
XXVII, — The Battle of San Jacinto. 

1. The movements of Houston and Santa Anna. 

2. The addresses of Houston and Rusk. 

3. Map and description of the battlefield. 

4. The size of the two armies. 

5. What each was fighting for. 

6. Vinee's bridge. 

7. The plan of attack. 

8. The battle cry. 

9. The charge. 

10. The battle. 

11. Losses on each side. 

12. The capture of some noted generals. 

13. The interview between Houston and Santa Anna. 

14. Santa Anna's orders to Filisola. 

tions — advising me, by return of the couriers, that )'ou have already com- 
menced tlieir execution, 

God and Liberty, 

Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, 

11 



162 PERIOD OF REYOLUTION". [1836. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

THE END OF THE WAR, 1836. 

286. President Burnet on the Battlefield.— The 

news of the victory at San Jacinto reached President Burnet 
on Galveston Island ; and he, with Vice-President Zavala and 
the cabinet, reached the camp, seven miles above the battle- 
field, April 28tli. There he heard of the armistice with Santa 
Anna, and his orders to his generals. The money captured, 
after setting apart three thousand dollars for the navy, was 
equally divided among the officers and men. The captured 
property was sold at auction. 

287. The Treaty. — President Burnet entered into a 
treaty with Santa Anna, though some of the cabinet were not 
in favor of it, because, first, being a 2)risoner, his acts would 
not be binding ; and, secondly, because he should be tried and 
executed for his crimes. 

288. The Treatment of Santa Anna.— Though the 
temptation Avas great to try him as a murderer, it is to the 
glory and honor of Texas that Santa Anna was treated as a 
prisoner of war, and the treaty made.* 

* The Treaty, May 14, 1836. 

"Articles of an agreement entered into between his Excellency, David G. 
Burnet, President of the Republic of Texas, of the one part, and General 
Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, President and General-in-Chief of the Mexican 
Army, of the other part. 

"Article 1.— General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna agrees that he will 
not take up arms, nor will he exercise his influence to cause them to be taken, 
against the people of Texas during the present war of independence. 

"Art. 2. — All hostilities between the Mexican and Texiau troops will cease 
immediately, both on land and water. 



1836.] THE END OF THE WAR. 163 

Early in May General Houston left the army for a time to 
go to New Orleans for surgical treatment of his wounded 
ankle. General Rusk was left in command of the army. 

289. The Witliclrawiil of the Mexican Troops.— 

Filisola with over four thousand soldiers had begun his retreat 
before Santa Annans orders reached him, He^, with Generals 

" Akt. 3. — The Mexican troops will evacuate the territory of Texas, pass- 
ing to the other side of the Rio Grande del Norte. 

"Art. 4. — The Mexican arm}' in its retreat shall not take the property of 
any person without his consent and just indeninilication, using only such arti- 
cles as may be necessary for its subsistence when the owner may not be pres- 
ent, and remitting to the commander of the Texas army, or to commissioners 
to be appointed for the adjustment of such matters, an account of the value 
of the property consumed, the place where taken, and the name of the owner, 
^ if it can be ascertained. 

"Art. 5. — That all private property, including cattle, horses, negro slaves, 
or indentured persons of whatever denomination, that may have been captured 
bj' the Mexican army, or may have taken refuge in said army, since the com- 
mencement of the late invasion, shall be restored to the commander of the 
Texian army, or to such other persons as may be appointed by the Govern- 
ment of Texas to receive them. 

" Art. 6. — The troops of both armies will refrain from coming into contact 
with each other, and to this end the commander of the Texas army will be 
careful not to approach within a point nearer than five leagues of the Mexi- 
can army. 

"Art. 7. — The Mexican army shall not make an}' other delay on its march 
than that which is necessary to take up their hospitals, baggage, etc., and to 
cross the rivers ; any delay not necessary to these purposes to be considered 
an infraction of this agreement. 

"Art. 8. — By express, to be immediately despatched, this agreement shall 
be sent to General Filisola and to T. J. Rusk, commander of the Texian army, 
in order that they may be apprised of its stipulations, and to this end they 
will exchange engagements to comply with the same. 

"Art. 9. — That all Texian prisoners now in possession of the Mexican 
army or its authorities be forthwith released and furnished with free passports 
to return to their homes, in consideration of whicli a corresponding number 
of Mexican prisoners, rank and file, now in the possession of the Texian Gov- 
ernment, shall be immediately releasetl. The remainder of the Mexican pris- 
oners that continue in possession of the Texian Government to be treated with 
due humanity ; any extraordinary comforts that may be furnished them shall 
be at the expense of the Mexican Government. 

"Art. 10. — That General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna shall be sent to 
Vei'a Cruz as soon as it shall he deemed proper. 



164 PERIOD OF REVOLUTIOlf. [1836. 

Gaona and Urrea^ had decided to retreat beyond the Colorado 
and wait for advice. 

Before they had readied the river, ^^Deaf " Smith overtook 
them with Santa Anna's orders. Filisola replied that the 
orders shonld be obeyed. But, to be sure he understood them, 
he sent General Adrian Woll, under a flag of truce, to get the 
treaty fully explained. Colonel Burleson and Juan N. Seguin 
were sent with men to watch the retreating armies. Others 
were sent to overtake Filisola and have him sign the treaty. 
Santa Annans army was then allowed to retreat across the Rio 
Grande. 

290. Opposition to Santa Anna's Release. — One of 
the promises made in the treaty was, that Saiita Anna should 
be sent to Vera Cruz "as soon as it shall be deemed proper." 
His life was sometimes in danger, for many who had fought 
against him, and whose relatives and friends had been 
murdered by his orders, were not willing he should leave 
Texas without even a trial. On the first day of June he and 
his suite were put on board the war schooner Invincible, to 
be sent to Vera Cruz. The boat was to leave in two days. 
Just at that time a boat loaded with volunteers from New 
Orleans came in, and they demanded that he should not be 
allowed to leave. 

President Burnet had to send for Santa Anna to be brought 
on shore again. He forgot the kindness with which he had 
been treated, and sent a bitter protest to President Burnet 
against being kept longer as a prisoner. For a while he was 
kept guarded on Dr. Phelps' plantation on the Brazos. In 
August a plot was discovered to release the prisoners. They 

"The contracting parties sign this instrument iov the above-mentioned 
purposes, by duplicates at the port of Velasco, this 14th of Ma.v, 1836. 

" David G. Buunet. 
" Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. 
"James Collingswokth, /St'cre^a?-v/ o/ySYa^^. 
" Bailey Hardeman, Secretary of Treasu7-y. 
" P. W. Grayson, Aitonicy- General.''^ 



1836.] THE END OF THE WAR. 165 

were then put in irons. In the fall President Burnet had the 
irons taken off, but the congress of Texas refused to ])ass a 
bill for their release. 

In December Houston sent Santa Anna and Almonte to 
President Jackson in the United States, and he sent them in 
a war-ship to Vera Cruz. General Cos and the other prisoners 
were released in the April following. 

291. The Texian Army.— After the battle of San 
Jacinto, the army grew rapidly smaller ; men left, to look 
after their families and plant crops. There was great joy 
over the victory, but much sadness as well, for many valuable 
lives had been lost, and a large amount of property destroyed. 
Two thousand fresh men, mostly from the United States, soon 
joined the army. 

While Rusk and Burleson watched the retreat of the 
Mexicans by land. Major Isaac W. Burton, with twenty mounted 
men, watched the coast for Mexican boats that might try to 
land. They captured three vessels loaded with sup]3lies for 
the Mexican army, valued at twenty-five thousand dollars. 

292. The Feeling ag-aiiist the Mexicans. — General 
Rusk and a part of his army were in Goliad, and on the 2d 
of June the army Avas paraded within the fort, a procession 
formed with Colonel Sidney Sherman in command ; minute 
guns were fired, and they marched to. the sweet and mournful 
strains of martial music to a grave in which the bones of 
Fannin and his men were then laid. 

General Rusk, in a short address, spoke of the brave band 
who had been so cruelly shot by the legions of Santa Anna. 
Five were present who had escaped, and they, with all who 
had fought with " Rememher Goliad'' for their war cry, were 
ready for another San Jacinto. The feeling against the 
Mexicans was so bitter that when General Andrade asked 
permission for his army to pass along the Goliad road, to join 
Genei'al Filisola, General Rusk replied that if any of the 
Mexican soldiers came in sight of his men he could not answer 



166 PERIOD OF REVOLUTION. [1836. 

for what they might do. Andrade cut a road seven miles 
through the chapparal, and made a new crossing of the San 
Antonio River for his artillery, rather than run the risk of 
being seen by the Texians. ^ 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 

XXVIII.— The End of the War. 

1. President Burnet on the battlefield. 

2. The treaty. 

3. The treatment of Santa Anna. 

4. The wisdom of this course. 

5. The withdrawal of the Mexican troops. 
G. The opposition to Santa Anna's release. 

7. What was finally done with him. 

8. The Texian army. 

9. The feeling against the Mexicans. 

CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY. 
Period of Revolution. 

1835. October 2, battle of Gonzales. 
October 0, Goliad taken by the Texians. 
October 28, battle of Concepcion. 
November 3, the "General Consultation " met. 
November 12, provisional government organized. 
November 26, the "Grass Fight." 

December 5-9, taking of San Antonio. 
December 7, Milam killed. 

1836. February 22, Santa Anna arrived at San Antonio. 
February 23, Travis sent out an appeal lor help. 
February 27, Johnson's party destroyed. 

March 2, Declaration of Independence. 

March 6, fall of the Alamo. 

March 17, Houston retreated from Gonzales. 

March 17, constitution adopted 

March 20, battle of Colita. 

March 22, Ward captured. 



1836.] THE END OF THE WAR. 167 

1836. March 27, massacre at Goliad. 

April 1-12, Houston camped in Brazos Bottom. 

April 12-13, Santa Anna crossed the Brazos at Richmond. 

April 21, battle of San Jacinto. 

April 22, Santa Anna captured. 

May 5, Houston gave up command of the army. 

May 14, treaty made with Santa Anna. 

May, June, Mexican troops withdrawn from Texas. 



PERIOD OF THE REPUBLIC, 1836-1845. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 



Houston's first administration"^ 1836-1838. 

293. Tlie Election of Officers. — President Burnet 
issued an order for an election to be held the first Monday in 
September. Sam Houston was chosen President, Mirabeau B. 
Lamar Vice-President. They were inaugurated October 22. 
Stephen F. Austin was made Secretary of State ; Henry Smith, 
Secretary of the Treasury ; Thomas J. Rusk, Secretary of 
War ; S. Rhoads Fisher, Secretary of the Navy ; and James 
Pinckney Henderson, Attorney-General ; Robert Barr, Post- 
master- General. 

294. The First Congress of the Republic of Texas. 

— At Columbia, on 
ij'P'j^%el"fK the Brazos, the 
first congress met. 
Richard Ell^s was 
chosen President 
pro tern, of the 
Senate, and Ira 
Ingram Speaker of 
tltee House of Rep- 
resentatives. 

295. The Dif- 
ficulties that Beset the New Government. — There were 
many difficulties to be met. Laws were to he passed suitable 
to a free government under a written constitution ; the rights 
of immigrants to be guarded ; also the rights of soldiers to 




HOUSE IN AVHIf'H TTIE FTKST CONCJRESS MET AT rOLUMr.IA, 
OCTOP.EU 3, 1836. 



1836-1838.] Houston's first administration. 169 

whom bounty lands had been promised for their services in 
the army ; protection against the Indians provided ; tlie army 
and navy to provide for. A debt of about one and a quarter 
million dollars hung over them. 

The Mexicans had not entirely given up their claim, as they 
said Santa Anna had no right to surrender Mexico's claim to 
Texas. 

296. How these Ditfieulties were Wvt, — A Board of 
Land Commissioners was provided for, and a surveyor for 
each connty, who should map out his work and send it to the 
General Land Office. 

Scrip was issued, which gave the holder the right to a cer- 
tain number of acres of land, to be located in any part of Texas 
he chose, where the land was not already taken up. 

Government notes for half a million were made ; they could 
be used in paying taxes and any public debt. 

Congress adjourned to meet in the newly laid out town of 
Houston, in May, 1837.* 

* The task of removing the archives, or government papers, from San An- 
tonio to Houston was entrusted to Captain George W. P'ulton, then a young 
man, a native of Philadelphia, but recently from Indiana, with a company of 
volunteers. Tliese valuable deeds and records were delivered to him, and 
packed in large leather bags (or saddle-bags), and strapped on the back of a 
mule, that soon showed himself to be a wild, unruly beast. 

A few soldiers, and some travellers glad of the chance for company on 
the journey, were of the party. All went well until they drew near Bate- 
man's, not far from Gonzales, when the mule concluded that the care of such 
valuable papers was too great for him, and decided to get rid of them. He 
began to run, and kicked at every jump. It was just at nightfall, and a heavy 
storm of wind and rain made it impossible to follow the mule in the dark, as he 
wound around in the river bottom. The men passed the night at Bateman's. 
Captain Fulton walked the floor until morning light, when the whole party 
took the back track in search of the mule and the archives. His muleship 
was found in the open prairie, having disposed of the evidences of land own- 
ership to his own satisfaction, no doubt. His trail was easily followed after 
the rain, and the saddle-bags were found in the bottom, where the mule had 
rubbed them off against trees. Several days were occupied in drying the 
papers carefully, and getting the bags in shape to hold them again. They then 
made another start to Houston. At Gonzales they were joined by Erasmus 



170 PEEIOD OF THE KEPUBLIC. [1836-1838. 

207. I>eath of the Father of Texas.— Though still in 
feeble health, Stephen F. Austin worked with the zeal and 
courage of his best days while congress was in session. He 
sat in an uncomfortable room, without a fire. It was too much 
for his feeble frame; suddenly he had to give up, pneumonia 
set in, and in a few days he was dead, and sorrow was over the 
land. He died December 27, 1836. 

298. His Services to his Country. — From the begin- 
ning of American civilization, fourteen years before, Austin had 
been connected with every movement for the good of Texas. 
He had toiled, in sunshine and in storm, for the prosperity of 
his colony, and had often aided the other colonies. While only 
in his forty-fourth year, from the hardships and sufferings he 
had borne, he looked like an old man. He had never recovered 
from his prison life in Mexico. 

299. Tlie Honors that were Paid him. — His body 
lay in state, at the house of the friends * with whom he died, 
two days, when he was escorted to the steamer YeUowsto)ie. 
Houston, Lamar, all the members of the cabinet, all the 
officers of the army and navy, and every one who could fol- 
lowed in a procession. He was buried with military honors, at 
Peach Point, on the river, the home of his sister, Mrs. E. M. 
Perry. 

300. Deatli and Services of Zavala. — Lorenzo de 
Zavala, who had been Vice-President under Burnet, and had 
held other positions of honor, died on the 15th of November, 
1836. Though born in Yucatan, Zavala was a true friend to 
Texas, a brave soldier, and a faithful officer. Not long before 
his death Lamar spoke of him as "gentleman, ])atriot, and 
soldier." 

("Deaf") Smith. There were delays on account of rises in the Lavaca and 
Navidad Rivers, but the papers arrived in safety. They were afterward car- 
ried to Austin, and placed in the Land Office. They will always show the 
effects of that rainy night iu the river bottom. 
* Mr. and Mrs. George B. McKinstry. 



1836-1838.] HOUSTON'S FIRST ADMINISTRATION. 171 

301. President Jackson's Last Official Act. — William 
H. Wharton had been sent to Washington in behalf of Texas. 
President Jackson was in favor of recognizing her as a republic, 
but there was some opposition to it in Congress. 

On the 3d of March, 1837, both houses having passed the 
same, President Jackson closed his official life by signing a 
resolution declaring Texas to be a free, sovereign, and inde- 
pendent republic. I'he United States had been the first 
government to acknowledge the independence of Mexico, in 
1822, and was now the first to acknowledge Texas. 

802. Houston's Eft'orts for Annexation. — President 
Houston sent a commissioner to Washington to aid Wharton 
in urging the United States to allow Texas to annex or join 
herself to the Union. 

303. Reasons why the United States was Opposed 
to it. — The opposition element was too strong, especially from 
New England. A feeling in the North and East bitterly 
opposed to adding more slave territory to the Union was the 
principal reason for not admitting Texas at that time. The 
result was, that, in 1838, Texas withdrew her application for 
annexation, and determined to maintain herself as an inde- 
pendent republic. 

304. The Navy of Texas.— In April, 1837, the Indepen- 
dence, with W. H. Wharton on board, had been captured otf 
Velasco by two Mexican brigs. At the same time the Texian 
schooner Julius Ccesar, with a cargo worth thirty thousand 
dollars, was also taken. Durino; the summer the Livincihle 
and the Brutus were lost, and congress passed an act to increase 
the navy. Three schooners, two brigs, and a corvette were 
bought from a Baltimore firm. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 
XXIX. — Houston's First Administration. 

1. The election of officers. 

2. The first congress of the Republic of Texas. 



172 PERIOD OF THE REPUBLIC. [183G-1838. 

3. The difficulties that beset the new Government. 

4. How these difficulties were met. 

5. Death of the " Father of Texas." 

6. His services to his country. 

7. The honors that were paid him. 

8. Death and services of Zayala. 

9. President Jackson's last official act. 

10. Houston's efforts for annexation. 

11. Reasons why the United States was opposed to it. 
13. The navy of Texas. 



1839.] 



LAMAirS ADMINISTRATION". 



173 



CHAPTER XXX. 



lamar's administration, 1838-1841. 



805. What tlie Const itiit ion said abont the Presi- 
dent's Term of Office. — The constitution provided that the 
first President of Texas sliould hold the office for two years ; 
after that the office was to 
be held three years. No 
one could be President two 
terms in succession. Hous- 
ton's two years passed, and 
Mirabeau B. Lamar was in- 
augurated President Decem- 
ber, 1838, with David G. 
Burnet as Vice-President. 

306. The Provisions 
made for Education. — 
The third congress set aside 
fifty leagues of land for a 
university, and lands to 
each county for school 
purposes. In his iftaugu- 
ral address Lamar recom- 
mended that this should 
be done. 

307. The State Capital.— This congress also provided 
for the laying out of the capital, which they named Austin in 
honor of the father of Texas. At that time Austin was in 
the pathway of the Indians in going up and down the country. 
For protection against these Indians, President Burnet had 




MIRABEAU B. LAMAR. 



174 PERIOD OF THE REPUBLIC. [1839. 

organized the Rangers, who had many lights witli them. 
From its laying out until it was ready for the government 
archives, the men at work had to be protected by the Rangers. 
By a vote of the people, Austin has been twice rechosen as the 
capital of Texas. At the close of 1839 it hud fifteen hundred 
inhabitants. 

308. The Action of Foreign Nations Concerning- 
Texas. — Up to this time no European country had acknowl- 
edged the independence of Texas, though they allowed her to 
take any Mexican vessels she might capture into their ports 
as prizes. In 1840 England and France acknowledged her as 
the Republic of Texas. 

309. Indian Troubles. — At the time of Lamar's election 
the Indians of Texas were on the war-path. General Rusk 
fought and severely punished the Kickapoo Indians. 

The surveyors were great sufferers, because their work took 
them away from the settlements. Many families were killed, 
and prisoners taken. 

310. The Part that Mexico took in these Troubles. 
— Returning to Mexico after the battle of San Jacinto, General 
Filisola undertook to win to Mexico the friendship of all the 
Indians in Texas, and to unite them in a war against Texas. 
Later the Mexican general who succeeded him in command of 
Northern Mexico tried to carry out his plans. 

311. The Cherokee War. — Through men passing above 
the settlements, he persuaded the Cherokees and other Indians, 
with a number of Mexican citizens in and around Nacogdoches, 
to join his enterprise. One of these men, named Cordova, 
headed over a hundred Mexicans toward the Cherokee nation. 
He stayed on the upper Brazos and Trinity urging the wild 
Indians to burn and destroy the homes and property of the 
settlers, ])romising them the protection of the Mexican Govern- 
ment, and a right to the part of Texas occupied by them. 

General Rusk, Colonel Burleson, and the Rangers finally 
succeeded in driving them from the country, and punishing 



1839-1840.] LAMAR'S ADMIIsTISTRATIOiq". 175 

the Indians, but not until a vast amount of harm had been 
done and many lives lost. 

312. Lamar's Incliaii Policy. — In view of all that had 
happened, and from captured correspondence which told of a 
23lot that had been formed for the destruction of the frontier 
people of Texas, to be followed up by the devastation of the 
whole country. President Lamar resolved to remove the Ohero- 
kees and their bands beyond the Arkansas River. 

313. The Treachery of the Cherokees. — President 
Lamar sent four officers * to meet and treat with them for their 
peaceful removal. He wished to pay them for their improve- 
ments and losses ; but if that failed, they were to be driven out 
by force. 

Colonel Burleson had charge of several hundred soldiers 
and volunteers to carry out Lamar^s orders. 

After a three days' talk the Indians agreed to leave the 
country, and a day was set for signing the treaty. 

But the Indians did not appear. Scouts reported them 
moving .off. Bowles, the principal chief, had only been par- 
leying to gain time to collect his warriors and surprise the 
whites. 

General Rusk followed them up as they retreated to meet 
fresh warriors, and in the battle which followed Bowles was 
killed, and the Indians so badly defeated that they disa^^peared 
in the Neches bottom. 

314. The Council House Fig-ht. — A few years before 
this time the Comanches had made a visit to General Houston. 
They were given many presents, and professed great friend- 
ship. But on the way home they again began killing and steal- 
ing, and had ke2Jt it up. 

In 1840 it was agreed they should sign another treaty, in 
San Antonio, and were to bring in all their Texian prisoners. 



* Vice-President Burnet; General Albert Sidney Johnston, Secretary of 
War; Hugh McLeod, Adjutant-General ; and General Thomas J. Rusk. 



176 PERIOD OF THE REPUBLIC. [1840-1841. 

Only one was brought, an intelligent girl of fourteen, 
Matilda Lockhart, who had been with them two years. She 
said there were others, but the Indians intended to bring in 
one at a time in order to get a reward for each one. 

The twelve chiefs were then told that they would be held 
until the other prisoners were brought in. Guards were placed 
around tlie room. The chiefs tried to escape, and a desperate 
fight followed, the warriors on the outside fighting furiously. 
Only one escaped. A lot of squaws and children were taken 
prisoners. By their request, one of the squaws was sent to her 
people to say that when all the Texas prisoners were brought 
in they should be released. Several white children were 
brouglit in and exchanged. 

315. The Attacks on Victoria and Liniiville. — A band 
of one thousand Comanches, Kiowas, and lawless Mexicans 
passed down the country, and suddenly appeared near Victo- 
ria, killing people and stealing some two thousand horses. 

Tliey rode on to Linnville. The people rushed to boats in 
the bay, and from them watched the Indians spend the day 
in packing goods from a warehouse, and all that pleased their 
fancy, on mules, and then set fire to the houses. Only one 
escaped. 

316. The Santa F^ Expedition. — The first congress of 
Texas made the Rio Grande the western boundary of the 
Republic. Santa Fe, a large town with chiefly a Mexican pop- 
ulation, but some American traders, lay east of the river. A 
large trade was carried on with Mexico, by wagon-trains mak- 
ing trips to Missouri, paying gold and silver for the goods. 

Lamar's object Avas, by peaceful means, to get Santa Fe 
and the country east of the Rio Grande under control of the 
Republic of Texas, and try to bring this trade to Texas. In 
this way money would become moi'e plentiful in the country. 

Business men were invited to join the expedition with 
goods for trade. Many went along for the pleasure of the tri]). 
Two hundred soldiers, under General Hugh McLeod, went as 



1841.] LAMARS ADMIKISTRATION". 177 

an escort. Tliey started from near Austin, on the 11th of 
June, 1841. 

After many hardships and great suffering, having travelled 
without the Li^mn Indian guides they had expected, on the 
11th of August they thought themselves not a great distance 
from a town only eighty miles from Santa Fe. Indians had 
followed them nearly all the way, trying to kill their huiiters 
and sentinelS;, and to steal their animals. 

The men had become not only worn out with fatigue and 
watching, but had to eat snails and lizards to prevent starva- 
tion. It was found they had travelled nearly three hundred 
miles farther than necessary. In September a party in 
advance of the rest met some Mexican traders, who told them 
the Governor of Santa Fe had stirred up the people against 
them, and made the three messengers, sent to find food and 
to learn how the people felt toward the expedition, prisoners. 
The Mexicans guided them to a place where mutton was plen- 
tiful. They sent word to the alcalde of the town of San Miguel 
that they were for peace. 

Weakened by starvation, they were at last captured, but 
promised kind treatment. 

The Governor of Santa Fe had them bound as felons and 
sent to the City of Mexico. He then went on to meet General 
McLeod and the main body, which was in a starving condi- 
tion. Without strength or means of defense, and under 
promise of good treatment and respect for their private prop- 
erty, they too surrendered. 

They were robbed of everything, and started to the City 
of Mexico, bound in pairs. Some died on the way ; their ears 
were cut off as proof that they had not escaped. The others 
were kept in a prison until 1842, when the American minister 
to Mexico had them liberated. 
13 



PERIOD OF THE REPUBLIC. [1839-1841. 



TOPICAL OUTLINES. 
XXX. — Lamar's Administration. 

1. What the constitution said about the President's term of office. 

2. The provisions made for education. 

3. The state capital. 

4. Tiie action of foreign nations concerning Texas. 

5. Indian troubles. 

6. The part that Mexico took in these troubles. 

7. The Cherokee War. 

8. Lamar's Indian policy. 

9. The treachery of the Cherokees. 

10. The Council House fight. 

11. The attacks on Victoria and Linnville. 

12. The Santa Fe expedition. 

a. The object of the expedition. 
h. Of whom it was composed. 

c. Misfortunes of the journey. 

d. The capture. 

e. The treatment of prisoners. 



1841-1842.] IIOUSTOK's SECOND ADMINISTRATION. 179 



CHAPTER XXXI. 
Houston's second administration, 1841-1844. 

317. Houston's Indian Policy. — Houston favored a 
friendly policy toward the Indians. He wanted trading posts 
established, where they would feel free to come in and trade, 
supply their wants, receive presents as signs of good-will, and 
return peacefully to their villages. 

318. His Financial Policy. — He was in favor of Texas 
defending herself against Mexico, but doing nothing to arouse 
her ill-will. He favored the strictest economy in all govern- 
ment business. 

319. How Mexico Reg-ardecl Texas. — Santa Anna was 
again in power in Mexico, and had been made Dictator. He 
declared war against the Republic of Texas. The Texians 
were glad to make up for the time lost in war. Few believed 
that Santa Anna would risk coming into Texas again. Settlers 
came in from time to time, peace went hand in hand with 
industry ; but it was the calm before the storm. 

320. Vasquez at San Antonio.— Through some Mexican 
women, the Americans in San Antonio learned that plans were 
on foot for a general invasion of Texas. Some of the Mexi- 
cans living in San Antonio had secretly left to join the invaders. 

San Antonio, at that time, was an outpost. There was not 
a house between the town and the nearest point on the Rio 
Grande. The nearest town was Seguin. About nine-tenths 
of the people were Mexicans, the remainder being Americans 
and foreigners. 

Forewarned, John C. Hays, a bold and successful ranger, was 
put in command of a volunteer company. His scouts reported 
a hundred camp-fires on the bluffs west of Leon Creek. A 



180 



PERIOD OF THE REPUBLIC. 



[1842. 



man and boy — Kendrick and John Henry Brown — volunteered 
to go near enough to find the number of men in the camps ; 
they reported twelve to fourteen hundred, too large a number 
to attack. 

Vasquez sent a Mexican officer with a flag of truce to demand 
the surrender of San Antonio. Captain Uays put the question, 
^'^ Fight or retreat?" to his men. Fifty-three said ''Fight," 
fifty-four " Retreat." 

As the rear guard of the Texians left one side of the Plaza, 
the Mexicans came in on the other, with flying banners, and their 
bands playing a triumphant march. In two days they left the 
town, carrying everything movable with them. Mexican troops 
appeared near (loliad, took some prisoners, and disappeared. 

321. The lieiiioviil of the Capital. — On account of this 

invasion. President Hous- 




ton moved the 
from Austin to Houston, 
as being a safer place. 
This caused bad feeling, 
and Houston was accused 
of showing partiality to 
that town on account of 
its name. The citizens 
of Austin refused to allow 
the government papers to 
be taken to Houston. 

322. The Action of Congress on Mexican Aft'airs. — 
The congress of Texas, anxious to send an ex23edition into 
Mexico, on hearing the result of the Santa Fe expedition, 
passed an act to extend the boundary line of Texas to take in 
five Mexican states and parts of four others. An expedition 
to carry out this plan by force was to be gotten up. 

323. Houston's Reasons for Vetoing the Bill. — Hous- 
ton vetoed the bill. His reasons were, that it would not 
increase the respect of other nations for Texas, and that it 



CAPITOL BUILDING AT HOUSTON, 1837. 



1843.] Houston's second administration. 181 

would add to the sufferings of American prisoners in Mexico, 
and might cause their death. The bill was passed over his 
veto. A war of invasion was declared ; bills were passed 
which placed Houston at the head of the army ; ten million 
acres of land were set aside to pay all expenses. President 
Houston vetoed these bills also. 

324. Woir.s Invasion. — One Sunday morning, at day- 
light, the people of San Antonio were awakened by the roar of 
cannon, and in a few moments fourteen hundred Mexicans, 
under General Adrian Woll, were in possession of the town. 
District court was in session ; and the officers of the court, 
with all the lawyers and most of the Americans, v/ere soon 
prisoners. § 329. A few escaped and gave the alarm. 

325. The Battle of Salado. — Companies were raised. 
Jack Hays had the scouts, with Henry E. McCulloch as lieu- 
tenant. Matthew Caldwell was chosen to command the whole. 
In all, there were two hundred and two men. In six days 
they reached Salado Creek. A scout reported General Woll 
still in San Antonio, but the prisoners had been sent away. 
In the forenoon, after skirmishing with small bodies of Mexi- 
cans for several hours, the Texians found General Woll was en- 
tering the field with a large body of infantry and two cannon. 

Many of the Texians were very young, and they grew so 
enthusiastic over the idea of a fight that Caldwell had to hold 
them back, saying, " Keej) cool, hoys, keep cool T' At the 
blast of a bugle, the Mexican infantry charged. The Texians 
stood firm, and answered their shots with their rifles. The 
Mexicans charged three times and were driven back. 

Near sunset they retreated into San Antonio, carrying about 
forty dead and sixty wounded in wagons, leaving sixty dead 
on the field.* 

* Vicente Cordova, who had headed the rebellion four years before (§ 311), 
was among the killed at Salado. 

The Dawson Massacre occurred at this time. See Brown's " General 
History," Vol. II., chap. xx. 



182 PERIOD OF THE REPUBLIC. , [1842. 

326. The Letter to Foreig-ii Countries. — At this time 
many of the newspapers in the United States were very bitter 
in their comments on the people of Texas, and the papers of 
Europe were copying them. To answer them, Houston had a 
letter written calling attention to the kind of warfare waged 
by the Mexicans. 

The Texians were farming people, whose work was inter- 
rupted, and the safety of their families endangered, by thieving 
bands from Mexico, not by an honorable warfare with Mexican 
soldiers. They had been guilty of brutalities and massacres, 
while the Texians had followed the rules of honorable warfare. 
It was hoped that the countries to whom the letter was 
addressed would require Mexico to follow civilized rules, 
acknowledge the independence of Texas, or declare the war 
over. 

This letter showed the desire of Texas to be at peace with 
Mexico, and had an early and good effect. 

327. The Somervell Caiiipaig-u. — This was a sad time 
in the history of the republic. The West was in doubt whether 
Houston would allow the expedition to Mexico. The friends 
of the men held in Mexican prisons were determined to 
release them. The capital had been again moved from Hous- 
ton to Washington. As the peoi^le were determined to get 
up the expedition. General Houston wished it to be under the 
control of the Government, and gave the command to General 
Somervell. The people wanted Edward Burleson to lead 
them. 

Under General Somervell seven hundred men started from 
the Mission Concepcion to the Rio Crrande. After a dreary march 
of several days through deep mud, with much suffering from 
cold, and great discontent with their leader, they drew within 
sixty miles of Laredo. From two captured Mexican scouts. Jack 
Hays learned that two companies of Mexicans were in Laredo, 
and marched on to attack them. They had been warned, how- 
ever, and when the Texians entered the tow^n not a soldier 



1842.] Houston's second administration. 183 

was to be seen ; the streets were lined with Mexican citizens 
taking off their hats and exclaiming, " Good morning, geiitle- 
men ! We are friends to tlie Americans."^ 

There was mnch discontent among the Texians ; nearly all 
wanted to cross the river, light the Mexicans, and get back 
before the enemy conld be reenforced. General Somervell 
refused. Two hnndred then retnrned home. The rest went 
on down the river, and two days later crossed it in flat-boats. 
Few of the men had enough to eat, and on the 19th an order 
was read from General Somervell for all to return home. 
Three hundred refused to do so. The other two hundred 
finally decided to obey their legal commander.f 

328. The Mier Expedition. — Still determined not to 
return without having punished tlie Mexicans for the recent 
invasions, and if possible to obtain the release of some of the 
prisoners, tlie three hundred chose William S. Fisher as their 
commander, and marched on down the Rio Grande. 

Five days later they learned that General Ampudia was 
in the town of Mier with two thousand troops. They deter- 
mined to fight him. On Christmas Day they crossed the river. 
They fought their way into the streets of Mier. Blood ran 
in the guttering of the houses, and the Mexican dead lay in 
heaps. 

They left their cannon and lassoed the Texians. A large 
force of cavalry with a cannon came to their aid. Bugles 
sounding the charge could be heard in every direction. The 
next afternoon Ampudia sent in by flag of truce proposing 
that the Texians surrender. 

* One of the scouts captured by Hays, although badly wounded, had escaped. 
His guard, William Alsbury, overcome by weariness, fell into a sound sleep 
with his head on the prisoner's body. The brave fellow, for such he must 
have been, gently laid the head of his guard on a saddle and left. He reached 
Laredo in time to give the alarm. 

t The author of Brown's " History of Texas," then twenty-two years old, 
watched with much intei'est what his older companions and neighbors would 
think it best to do. As they returned home, he went with them. 



184 PERIOD OF THE REPUBLIC. [1843. 

329. The Terms of Surreucler. — Colonel Fisher had 
known the Mexican General years before. He told his men 
that from his own knowledge of that officer none need fear 
that his promises wonld not be kept. 

The terms of surrender were that all_ should be treated with 
generosity ; none were to be sent into Mexico, but kept until 
they could be exchanged. If they did not surrender, no 
quarter should be given. They were allowed five minutes in 
which to decide. 

Finally, though not with the consent of all, they gave up. 
Three men first stepped forward and laid down their arms. 
Others followed, until all had stacked their faithful rifles and 
become prisoners of war. 

The pledges, reduced to writing, were kept by tying the 
men in pairs and marching them on foot to Matamoras. They 
were taken through the streets in triumph, with music, flags 
waving, and bells ringing. The citizens showed them kind- 
ness. They were finally taken to the hacienda of Salado, 
beyond Saltillo. 

Here they determined to escape ; at a signal agreed upon, 
the prisoners rushed uj^on their guard, then eating breakfast, 
disarmed them, and rushed into the courtyard, where they 
overcame one hundred and fifty soldiers. Three men who 
were to have been their guides were killed. AVith arms 
and one hundred horses, they left. They became lost in 
the mountains, and wandered for five days without food or 
water. Their tongues were swollen, and some became crazed. 
Some of the horses were killed and eaten. They had become 
separated, but in a few days all were captured by General 
Mexia, by whom they were kindly treated and taken back to 
Salado. 

Soon after their arrival they were told that Santa Anna had 
ordered them all to be shot ; but, that yielding to the en- 
treaties of General Mexia and some of his officers, the order 
had been changed to one in ten {diezmo). General Mexia 



1842.] 



Houston's second administeation. 



185 



resigned, rather than have anything to do with so cruel a 
deed. 

The prisoners were drawn up in line, and the order read 
to them by one of their 
number, Alfred S. Thur- 
mond, who understood 
Spanish. A jar was 
brought forward with one 
hundred and seventy beans 
in it ; seventeen were black, 
the rest white. The roll 
was called, and each man, 
blindfolded, answered ])y 
stepping forward and put- 
ting his hand into the jar 
held above his head. If 
he drew a black bean it 
meant death. The doomed 
men sent messages to loved 
ones at home. Their com- 
panions were taken into an adjoining enclosure, from which 
they heard the order to fire! In a few moments all was 
over.* 

The remaining prisoners were taken to the City of Mexico. 
They were clothed in suits of striped blanketing, and w^orked 
as convicts. Afterward they were takeii to the castle at 
Perote, where they found one hundred and twenty prisoners 
from San Antonio. § 324. In 1844 all who were left were 
released, by the order of Santa Anna. It was believed that 
the death of his lovely aud gentle wife, who had shown great 




ALFRED S. THURMOND. 



* In 1847 General Walter P. Lane had the bones of each man carefully tied 
together, and all were packed in four boxes, on two mules, and taken to Buena 
Vista. General Woll then gave permission for Captain John Dusenbery and 
a private to take them to Lagrange, Tex., where they were buried with the 
honors of war, on Monument Hill. 



186 



PERIOD OF THE REPUBLIC. 



[1841-1848. 



pity for the prisoners, and had, while dying, asked their re- 
lease, so softened Santa Anna's heart that he consented.* 




COMAL BIVER, NEAR NEW BRAUNFKLS. 

330. German Iinmij>Tation, 1841-1848. — President 
Houston made grants to Henry F. Fisher and Bnrchard Miller 

* When the prisoners left Matamoras on the way to Salado, six men and 
two boys were left behind. One of these boys, whose father and brothers 
were prisoners, was but thirteen years old. His name was John C. C. Hill. 
His bravery during the fight, and his bright, fearless bearing afterward, at- 
tracted General Ampudia's notice ; he toolv him to his headquarters and wrote 
to Santa Anna about him. Santa Anna had him sent to the City of Mexico. 
On condition that his father and brothers should be released, he consented to 
stay in the city. Santa Anna placed him in the College of Mines (La Mine- 
ria), from which he graduated with honors as a mining engineer. He nuir- 
ried a charming Mexican lady. In the winter of 1865-6(5, the author's family 
met and became warmly attached to Mr. Hill and his lovely family. Several 
years later Mr. Hill visited Dallas and spent several days Avilh the B s. 



1842. j Houston's second administration. 187 

which finally passed into the hands of the German Immigra- 
tion Company, and covered tlie waters of several rivers — 
Perdenales, Llano, San Saba, and the lower Concho. They 
introduced a large nnmber of valuable immigrants into that 
mountainons part of Texas, which, before that time, was with- 
out a honse, and open to the wild Indians. Until after the 
civil war they snffered every year great calamities — robberies, 
murders, and their women and children taken prisoners. 
These Germans founded the beautiful toAvn of New Braunfels, 
as well as Fredericksburg, Boerne, and many others, besides 
opening a large number of farms. They brought into Texas a 
brave, self-reliant, law-abiding, industrious class of people, the 
fruits of whose labors are everywhere to be seen. 

331. French IinmigTiitioii. — In 1842 an educated and 
accomplished Frenchman, Henry Castro, entered into a con- 
tract to settle a colony west of the Medina Itiver. On seven 
different ships he brought over seven hundred immigrants. 
He returned to France and met great obstacles, as the French 
Government had other plans. A town was laid out, and 
named, in his honor, Castroville. Before the settlers had com- 
fortable huts to shelter their families, a church was built. 

In this enterprise Henry Castro spent, of his own means, 
more than one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. In all, he 
brought into Texas over five thousand most industrious and 
desirable people. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 
XXXI. — Houston's Second Administration. 

1. Houston's Indian policy. 

2. His financial policy. 

8. How Mexico regarded Texas. 

4. Vasquez at San Antonio, 

5. The removal of the capital. 

6. The action of congress on Mexican affairs. 

7. Houston's reasons for vetoing the bill. 

8. Woll's invasion. 



] PERIOD OF THE REPUBLIC. 

9. The battle of Salado. 

10. The letter to foreign courts. 

11. The Somervell campaign. 

12. The Mier expedition. 

a. The object of the expedition. 

b. The three hundred who refused to return. 

c. The battle of Mier. 

d. The terms of surrender. 

e. How Ami)udia redeemed his pledges. 
/. The escape and capture. 

ff. The black beans. 

h. The fate of the remaining prisoners. 

13. German immigration. 

14. French immiijration. 



1845.] 



AI^I^^EXATION. 



189 



CHAPTER XXXII. 



ANNEXATION, 1845. 



332. Tlie Last President of Texas. — Anson Jones was 
inaugurated President, with Kenneth L. Anderson as Vice-Pres- 
ident. Neither they nor the 
congress of Texas took any 
steps toward the annexation 
of Texas. 

333. " Polk and Tex- 
as." — In the United States 
the question had been 
whether Texas should be 
annexed or not. Those in 
favor of it wished James K. 
Polk elected President, and 
George M. Dallas Vice-Pres- 
ident. The campaign cry 
became " Polk and Texas/^ 
Their candidates were 
chosen, but the Senate voted against annexation. Houston was 
advised by the friends of Texas in the United States to keep 
quiet, have patience, and all would come out as they wished. 

334. The Offer of Mexico. — At this time a wise and 
liberal Mexican, General Ilerrera, became President of Mexico. 
The Mexican congress gave him power to make peace with 
Texas, and acknowledge her independence, on the condition 
that she should not be annexed to the United States. This 
offer was brought about by England and France. The papers, 




ANSON JONES. 



190 PERIOD OF THE REPUBLIC. [1845. 

signed by the Mexican Grovernment, were received on the 2d of 
June, 1845. 

335. The Action of the United States Congress. — On 

tlie 25th of February, 1845, the United States House of Kep- 
resentatives passed resolutions for the annexation of Texas to 
the United States, by a vote of one hundred and twenty-nine 
to eighty-nine. The resohitions passed the Senate on the 1st 
of March, by a vote of twenty-seven to twenty-five. President 
Tyler signed them the same day. 

336. The Vote of the People. — President Jones called 
a convention to consider annexation. England promised that 
Mexico should acknowledge the independence of Texas if she 
would not join the United States. 

President Jones sent out a proclamation, stating that the 
people of Texas now had the choice of remaining a republic 
or of becoming one of the United States of America. The 
convention met at Austin, with Thomas J. Rusk as president, 
and formed a constitution for the proposed State. The people 
voted for annexation. 

337. The Final Steps.— The Congress of the United 
States accepted the new constitution, and President Polk 
approved it. 

The last sentence of President Jones' farewell address was, 
" The BejJubUc of Texas is no more." 

Andrew Jackson congratulated both Texas and the United 
States, and said: ^'1 now behold the great American eagle, 
with her stars and stripes, hovering over the lone star of 
Texas, with clieering voice welcoming her into our glorious 
Union, and proclaiming to Mexico and all foreign govern- 
ments, ^ You must not attempt to tread on Texas — the unitc^l 
stars and stripes now defend her.'' " 



1845.] ANNEXATION". ' 191 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 

XXXII. — Annexation. 

1. The last President of Texas. 
- 2. " Polk and Texas !" 

3. The offer of Mexico. 

4. The action of the United States Congress. 

5. The vote of the people. 

6. The final steps. 

CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY. 

The Republic. 

1836. September, election of officers. 
October 3, first congress met at Columbia. 
October 22, Houston inaugurated President. 
November 15, Zavala died. 

December 27, Austin died. 

1837. March 3, The United States acknowledged the independence of 

Texas. 

1838. December 10, Lamar inaugurated President. 

1839. The capital located at Austin. 
March 2, Cordova defeated. 

1840. England, France, and Belgium acknowledged the independence of 

Texas. 
August, Indian attacks on Victoria and Linnville. 
August 12, Comanches totally defeated in battle of Plum Creek. 

1841. Santa Fe expedition. 

December 13, Flouston inaugurated President, second term. 

1842. March, Vasquez' raid into Texas. 
September 11, capture of San Antonio by Woll. 
September 18, battle of Salado. 

November, the Somervell campaign. 
December 25, battle of Mier. 

1843. March 24, Mier prisoners shot at Salado. 

1844. December 9, Jones inaugurated President. 

1845. February 25, the United States Congress voted to annex Texas. 
October 13, annexation accepted by vote of the people. 



STATE PEPJOD. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 



FROM ANNEXATION TO THE CIVIL AVAR, 1845-18G1. 

338. James Piiifkiiey Henderson. — The new consti- 
tution 2)rovided that the Governor of Texas should hold the 

office for two 3X^ars, or until 
his successor should be in- 
stalled. James Pinckney 
Henderson wiis chosen as 
the first Governor. The 
State was entitled to two 
Congressmen ; the country 
east of the Trinity forming 
one district,, and west of the 
river the other. The east- 
ern district elected David S. 
Kaufmau, and the Avestern 
Timothy Pilsbury. Sam 
Houston and Thomas J. 
Rusk were sent to the 
United States Senate. 
330. Tlie Cause of the Mexican War. — Mexico made 
violent threats when she learned that Texas Avas to join the 
United States instead of becomiug a republic. She refused to 
recognize the American minister to Mexico, and ordered her 
minister at AYashington to come home. AVhile Avaiting for 
Texas to make up her mind, General Zachary Taylor had been 
sent by tlie Uiuted States, Avith five thousand men, to South- 
west Texas. As was expected, Mexico objected to it. Arriv- 




J. p. HENDERSON. 



1845-1849.] AKNEXATION TO THE CIVIL WAE. 193 

ing at Corpus Obristi, General Taylor marched toward the Rio 
Grande. The United States considered the Rio Grande as the 
boundary line between the two countries. But Mexico claimed 
the Nueces River. On reaching a river called Sal Colorado, 
about thirty miles east of the Rio Grande, General Taylor found 
Mexican soldiers there, who objected to his crossing. He pushed 
on, and built a fort on the Rio Grande called Fort Brown. 

The Mexican general. Arista, was ordered to attack the 
army of the United States. A battle was fought at Palo Alto; 
the Mexicans were driven back. A few miles farther on, a 
battle was fought at Resaca de la Palma. General Taylor was 
again victorious. 

Fort Brown (now Brownsville) was bombarded. General 
Arista gave up Matamoras, and General Taylor took possession. 

340. The Part the Texians Took in this War. — News 
of what was being done flew on the winds through Texas. 
The legislature empowered Governor Henderson to raise and 
command an army. There was great excitement and eager- 
ness to join the army. 

Jack Hays commanded a regiment at the battle of Mon- 
terey, and afterward a regiment under General Scott. Ben 
McCulloch's scouts were a part of this regiment. George T. 
Wood, afterward a governor of Texas, commanded another 
regiment. Albert Sidney Johnston, Walter P. Lane, and 
hundreds of others were brave and useful officers and soldiers 
in this war, which was one victory after another for the 
American armies. In September, 1847, General Scott raised 
the stars and stripes over the City of Mexico. 

341. The Result of the War. — Mexico was now forced 
to give up all claim to Texas and sign a treaty.* 

George T. W^ood served as Governor fi-om 1847 to 1849. 

342. The Crop Faihires. — 1849 was a disastrous year 

* For ten million dollars Mexico ceded to the United States California, 
Nevada, Utah, a large part of Colorado, all of Arizona, part of Kansas, and 
all the territory claimed by Texas. 
13 



194 STATE PERIOD. [1849-1851. 

for Texas. In the middle of April there fell a heavy frost 
which ruined the crops. This was followed by a long drouth. 
Texas was not in a condition to stand such things. Many 
left for California to dig for gold, renting or selling their lands 
for low j)nces, or giving them up entirely. Peter H. Bell suc- 
ceeded George T. Wood in December. 

343. The Boundary Trouble. — The United States set 
up a military government in New Mexico, with Santa Fe as 
the capital, setting aside the claims of Texas to that part of 
the country. Bitter differences of opinion came up. 

344. How it was Finally Settled. — In 1850 Congress 
fixed the boundary line as it has been ever since. Though there 
was much opposition, the Legislature of Texas finally accepted 
it. The United States agreed to pay Texas ten million dollars 
in interest-bearing bonds. Half the money was to be held back 
to secure those to whom the public debt of Texas was owing. 

In 1851 Texas lost two of her most faithful and noble citi- 
zens, Henry Smith* and Edward Burleson. f 

*0n the 4th of March, 1851, Governor Henry Smith died in Los Angeles 
County, California. He had gone temporarily to the mines to accompany 
two of his sons. His death was sudden, occurring in his tent, while his sons 
were absent for a few days' " prospecting." No one was with him but a negro 
boy who had grown up in the family. On their return they constructed a cof- 
fin, and buried him in a small grove of sycamore trees in the canon, on the 
largest of which they carved his name, age, and country. The value of Gov- 
ernor Smith's services to Texas cannot be fully estimated. He was not con- 
nected actively with the army except as a volunteer at Velasco, where he was 
wounded ; but at a i)eriod when Mexican misrule was too heavy to be borne, 
and the public sentiment of the country was in a state of ferment as to the 
remedies to be adopted, Henry Smith declared himself in favor of indepen- 
dence from that country ; and, as far as possible, so shaped his course as a 
statesman, that his every public act should be a step in that direction. His 
pen furnished for the press of that day much tliat strengthened the views of 
the wavering, and gave coherency to the independence party. With indepen- 
dence achieved, he would have preferred private life, but, in the first organi- 
zation of the republic, President Houston made him Secretary of the Treas- 
lu-y. His services were, as the President declared, " indispensable." His last 
public service was as a member of Congress from Brazoria County, 1840-41. 

t The qualities that distinguished General Edward Burleson were a rare 



1845-1861.] ANNEXATI0:N^ TO THE CIVIL WAR. 



195 



345. The Treiitment of the Indians. — During WoocVs 
term of office, the Indians luul become very troublesome on the 
frontier. T h e Rangers 
had their hands full in 
keeping them in check. 
Several years later John 
S. Ford (" Rip " Ford) was 
sent with Rangers against 
the Indians in the Pan- 
handle region of Texas. 
At the Indian agency on 
the Brazos River, he was 
joined by Captain S. P. 
Ross, the Indian agent 
there, with one hundred 
friendly Toncahua, Caddo, 
AVaco, and Anadarco In- 
dians, each band having 
its own chief, as Placido of the Toncahuas, and Jim Pock- 
mark of the Anadarcos. 

Ford attacked the village of the noted Comanche chief 




H. R. RUNNELS. 



combination. His peculiar fitness for border or Indian warfare received its 
first inspiration from liis father, a captain in tlie Creek war under General 
Jackson. In 1831, as a settler in Bastrop County, then on the frontier, Edward 
Burleson soon won the confidence of his neighbors, and they gladly followed 
wherever "Ed. Burleson" led the pursuit. He was eager and daring, but 
not a " Hotspur." Not many months of his life passed without a test of his 
devotion to Texas, either in battling with savages or Mexicans, or as Vice- 
President, or in the legislative halls, in the exercise of a statesmanship not 
learned in the old schools, but in the developed needs of the government as 
the country progressed. He aspired only to usefulness. When the volun- 
tary suffrages of the people placed him in office, he adorned the position by 
the quiet dignity with which he performed its duties. General Burleson was 
never jealous himself, nor the cause of jealousy in others. Without the sem- 
blance of effeminacy, he was personally loved, and most devotedly by those 
who knew him best. During the last twelve years of his life he was a member 
of the Baptist Church, and added to the other graces of his character that 
of a Christian gentleman. 



196 



STATE PERIOD. 



[1845-1861. 



Prohebits Qiiasho, or Iron Jacket, so called from his coat of 
scale mail. The Oomaiiches fought desperately, but lost heav- 
ily in killed, prisoners, and horses, besides a great lot of Indian 
property. Among the prisoners was Iron Jacket's little son 
Noh-po, who was taken to Waco and raised by the Eoss family. 
In 1859 the Indians on the two western reserves were moved 
into the Indian Territory. This was dnring Governor Hardin 
E. Eunnels' term. 

346. The Public l>el)t.— Dnring the term of Elisha M. 
Pease, who served from 1853 to 1857, the matter of holding 

back the five million dol- 
lars due Texas was settled. 
§ 344. The claims of 
Texas against the United 
States for money spent in 
defending the frontier of 
Texas against United 
States Indians was allowed 
at this time; This added 
two million seven hundred 
and fifty thousand dollars 
to the treasury of Texas, 
and helped to pay oU her 
debt, which had proved 
to be larger than was ex- 
pected ; the five millions 
had not been enough to 
pay it. 

347. Pul)lic Building's. — Part of the money received 
from the United States was used in building a new State 
Capitol, the Land Office, and the Governor's mansion at 
Austin. Large quantities of land were set aside for the deaf 
and duml), the orphan, and the insane. 

348. Public Schools. — Governor Pease in his message 
said that the one million five hundred and seventy-five thou- 




E. M. PEASE. 



1845-1861.] ANNEXATION TO THE CIVIL WAR. 



197 




STATE CAPITOL, COMPLETED IN 1855 AND BURNED NOVEMBER 6, 1881. 

sand dollars left in the treasury would ouly last a few years if 
used to pay the every-day expenses of the government. As 
this money (in bonds) 
had been received for 
lands gotten in the revo- 
lution against Mexico, it 
should be saved for some- 
thing that would be last- 
ing. The Legislature fol- 
lowed his suggestion, and 
in 1855 set aside the one 
million five hundred and 
seventy-five thousand dol- 
lars still in the treasury 
as a school fund for the 
children of Texas. This 
was the first real step 
taken toward the public 
schools of our State. 

349. Railroads. — The same Legislature provided that 
the State would loan to railroad companies six thousand dol- 




CYNTHIA ANN PARKER. 



V 



198 



STATE PERIOD. 



[1845-1861. 



lars for every mile built, but some years later the State lost 

heavily by this way of building railroads. 

350. Cortina's Band. — Sam Houston was the sixth Gov- 
ernor of Texas ; elected in 
1859. lie was soon con- 
fronted with serious frontier 
troubles. 

A Mexican bandit, 
named Nepomucino Cortina, 
on the lower Eio Grande, 
often crossed the river to 
rob, murder, and harass the 
people. Governor Houston 
appealed to the Government 
of the United States, and 
Colonel liobert E. Lee was 
sent to punish the bandits. 
Aided by the Texas Eangers, 
under '' Eip '" Ford, they 
were soon scattered. 

Every part of the Texas 
frontier had to be protected 
at this time. In the north- 
west the Indians fled before 

companies under M. T. Johnson, Dairy m pie, and others.* 

*In 1860 Lawrence S. Ross (§373) attacked and defeated a band of Indians 
on Pease River, in which he captured a woman and child, who proved to be a 
white woman. She had forgotten her mother tongue, but proved to be 
Cynthia Ann Parker, talceii prisoner at the fall of Parker's Fort twenty-four 
years before, when only nine years old. She had married a young Comanche 
chief named Peta Nocona, and had two boys and a baby girl. Nocona was 
absent. Cynthia was taken into Austin, where Mrs. Jolm Henry Brown and 
Mrs. Nat Raymond and other ladies dressed her in neat garments, whicli she 
thought very uncomfortable. She was warndy welcomed by her kindred, but 
was always restless and longed for her outdoor life. She and her youngest 
child, Ta-ishput, or Prairie Flower, died in 1864. One of her sons, Quanah 
Parker, became a Comanche chief, but has always been a friend to the white 
people. The town of Quanah was named for Quanah Parker. 




CHIEF QUANAH PARKER. 



1845-1861.] ANNEXATION TO THE CIVIL WAR. 199 



TOPICAL OUTLINES. 

XXXIII. — From Annexation to the Civil War, 

1. The governors that served during this time (see page 217). 

2. The cause of the Mexican War. 

3. The part the Texians took in this war. 

4. The result of the war. 

5. The crop failures. 

6. The boundary difficulty. 

7. How it was finally settled. 

8. The treatment of the Indians. • 

9. The public debt. 

10. Public buildings. 

11. Public schools. 

12. Railroads. 

13. Cortina's band. 



200 STATE PERIOD. [1860-1861. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

THE CIVIL WAR AXD RECONSTRUCTION^, 1860-1868. 

351. The Sectiontil Feeliiij* and the Cause of it. — A 

division of feeling had sprnng np as to the rights of peo2)le to 
permit slavery. In 1860 a new President was to be elected. 
The two Presidents before this had been elected by the Demo- 
crats. This 2^ai'ty was now divided on the qnestion of slavery. 

They could not agree on a candidate ; both sides put one 
forward — Douglas for tlie North, and Breckinridge for the 
South. The Republican candidate, Abraham Lincoln, was 
elected. 

It was claimed that the enemies of the South had elected 
Lincoln, and it would be better for the Southern States to 
withdraw from the Union rather than give up their rights, as 
States, to manage their own affairs. 

3e52. The Secession Convention. — Governor Houston 
tried to keep Texas from seceding from the Union. He refused 
to call a convention for tiie purpose of sending delegates to a 
general convention, to be held at Montgomery, for forming a 
new Confederate Union. 

The convention met, however, in Austin, 1861, with 
power to decide wliether Texas should leave the Ignited States 
or not. 

353. The Ordinance of Secession. — The Legiskiture 
recognized the convention as representing the people of Texas, 
as the members had been elected by them. 

A committee of five was a2:»pointed to prepare an ordinance, 
or declaration, giving the reasons for taking this steji. '^riie 
convention adopted it. The ^U'ople voted for it, in tlie pro- 



1861.] 



THE CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION. 



201 



portion of about three and one-half to one. Texas was de- 
clared out of the Union. 

354. Houston's Position on this Question. — All State 
officers were required to swear allegiance to the new Confederate 
Government. Governor Houston was in a trying position. The 
hour came, Mai'ch IQ, 

18G1. The Hall of llep- 
resentatives, in the Capi- 
tol, was crowded. Gov- 
ernor Houston did not 
appear. Lieutenant- 
Governor Edward CUark 
took the oath and en- 
tered u})on the duties of 
Governor. 

355. How Texas 
Helped the Confed- 
eracy. — On the 8 til of 
June, 1861, war was de- 
clared, and nothing else 
was thought or talked of 
but raising com^^anies 
and getting them ready 

for duty. edwaud clark. 

The Star of the West 
was sent to Matagorda to take home the United States troops 
on the Texas frontier. 

Some volunteers, under Colonel Earl Van Dorn, sailed from 
Galveston and captured the Star of the West. The troops 
were then put on board sailing vessels, and they, too, were 
taken. Later, other United States soldiers on the way to the 
coast from forts in Texas were taken prisoners. All were 
allowed to leave the State, or stay as citizens. Some joined the 
Confederate army. There was but little fighting done on 
Texas soil, but the State was almost stripped of Avhite men 




202 



STATE PERIOD. 



[1862. 



between sixteen and sixty years of age, ninety thousand being 
in the Confederate army, besides companies on the frontier. 

356. The Capture of Galveston, 1862.— Frank K. 
Lubbock was chosen Governor, Clark^s term being over.* He 

called for fourteen regi- 
ments, and soon had 
them drilling in camps. 
The port of Galveston was 
blockaded in 1861 by Fed- 
eral gunboats, and in a 
short time all Texas ports 
were closed. In May, 
18G2, Commodore Eagle, 
of the blockading squad- 
ron, took possession of 
Galveston. Some time 
later. General J. B. Ma- 
gruder determined to re- 
taKe the island. Sibley's 
brigade and some State 
troops were at his com- 
mand. He made his plans 
with secrecy and skill, 
and on December 29th arrived at Virginia Point. Two steam- 
boats, the Neptime and the Bayou City, were fitted up as gun- 
boats, using cotton bales for breastworks. With two boats, the 
Lucy Gwinn and John F. Carr, as tenders, they entered Gal- 
veston harbor the last night of 18G2. Magruder passed to the 
island and got ready for an attack in the morning. 

* Francis R. Lubbock was born in Cliarleston, S. C, in 1815. He. was 
auditor and comptroller under the Republic of Texas ; afterward, for six- 
teen years, district clerk ; from 1857 to 1859, lieutenant-governor ; from 1861 
to 1863, governor. He then served on the staff of the Confederate President 
Jefferson Davis, and was captured with him ; imprisoned at Fort Delaware. 
From 1878 to 1893 he was State treasurer. His otHcial career, including 
numerous intervals, spans fifty-six years. 




r. R. LUCBOCK. 



1860-1868.] THE CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION. 203 

The steamer Harriet Lane was at the wharf, the Owassee 
and Clifton lay in tlie harbor. 

The battle was opened by Magrnder in the city. Upon 
the signal being given, the Confederate boats attacked the 
Harriet Lane. 

The Neptune was sunk in shallow water. The Bayou 
City became entangled in the rigging of the Harriet Lane. 
The Texians leaped on board, and the boat, after losing its 
principal officers, surrendered. 

The Federal soldiers on land, after a stubborn fight, sur- 
rendered, as did also several Federal boats. The Westfield, 
in trying to leave the harbor, ran aground. To prevent her 
capture the Federals blew her up. The explosion came sooner 
than was expected, and several were killed. 

All the escaping vessels crossed the bar and joined the 
fleet outside. 

Gallant and noble soldiers, officers, and men were killed on 
both sides. For the remainder of the war Galveston was in 
the hands of the Confederates. 

357. Houston's Last Days.— On the 26th of July, 1863, 
at his home in Huntsville, Sam Houston peacefully closed his 
eventful life, a little over seventy years old. From the sign- 
ing of the Declaration of Texas Independence, at Washington, 
on his forty-third birthday, to the day that he retired from 
the Governor's office (§354), he had served Texas to the best 
of his ability.* 

358. The Battle of Sabine Pass. — The last sixteen 



* Sam Houston was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, March 3, 1793. 
He served as a youthful soldier in the Creek war. He served four years 
in Congress from Tennessee. Was twice Governor of Tennessee, a mem- 
ber of the Texas Convention in 1833, and the Consultation of 1835. Was 
twice elected commander-in-chief of the army ; first President of the Repub- 
lic. He next served two terms in the congress of Texas. From 1846 to 1859 
he served Texas in the United States Senate. From 1859 to 1861 he was 
Governor of the State. 



204 STATE PERIOD. [1860-18G8. 

months of the war was covered by the administration of Pen- 
dleton Mnrrah. 

The fort at Sabine Pass was held by only forty-one men. 
These held their fire nntil the fonr gunboats leading the 
attack were in full range, when they opened upon them. Two 
of the gunboats were soon disabled and captured with all on 
board. The others left the harbor. 

359. Banks* Invasion. — In November the Federal Gen- 
eral Banks took Brownsville, and with a fleet of gunboats 
passed along the coast, taking Corpus Christi, Aransas Pass, 
and all the ports along the line. He did not try to keep 
possession of them or go into the country. By this time the 
currency, or money, of the Confederacy was not of enough 
value to buy the necessaries of life. 

360. Hood's Brig-acle. — In 18G1 three Texas regiments 
went to the army of A'^irginia, and stayed with it until the close 
of the war. They Avere the First, Fourth, and Fifth Texas 
Infantry, and won undying fame as Hood's Brigade. The 
first colonels were P. C. Archer, John B. Hood, and Louis T. 
WigfalL* 

361. The Last Battle of the War. — Before it was known 
on the Eio Grande that the Confederacy had surrendered, the 
last battle of the civil war was fought. 

From Brownsville, Colonel " Rip ^' Ford marched down 
the river to the San Martin Ranch. He found part of G id- 
dings' regiment skirmishing with the Federals. Three times 
Ford's men charged, the enemy turning to check them without 
success. General J. E. SlaugJiter came up, and with his men 
continued the pursuit, f 

362. The Close of the War.— The final surrender of the 



*Read Mrs. Winkler's " History of Hood's Brigade." 

t For full account of this light, and all that transpired during the civil 
war, the youth of Texas will find it necessary and interesting to read Brown's 
" General History of Texas," Vol. II., chaps. 34-42, and other books in which 
condensation is not necessary. 



1860-1868.] THE CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION". 



205 



Trans-Mississippi department^ including Texas, was made soon 
after the surrender of Lee, April 9, 1865. General Granger 
took military possession of Texas, and announced the freedom 
of the slaves. 

Governor Murrali left Austin, and died in August, in 
Mexico. 

863. The Government for the Next Two Years. — 
President Andrew Johnson issued a proclamation requiring the 
citizens to take an oath of 
allegiance to the United 
States before they should 
be allowed to vote. He 
also appointed A. J. Ham- 
ilton Provisional Governor 
of Texas. He ordered an 
election to be held, Janu- 
ary 8, 1866, to elect dele- 
gates to a convention which 
was to form a new consti- 
tution. The convention 
met, and James W. Throck- 
morton was chosen its 
president. 

A constitution was 
formed for the State, which, if the people voted to adopt it, 
was intended to restore Texas as a State of the Union. 

At the January election the constitution was adopted, and 
James AY. Throckmorton elected Governor of Texas. 

364. Military Rule. — Throckmorton had the unbounded 
confidence of the people of Texas, but a disagreement occurred 
between President Johnson and Congress, chiefly on the bill 
granting the negroes a right to vote. 

In February, 1867, Congress declared the State govern- 
ment of Texas null and void, and that peace and good order 
should be enforced by the military. 




PENDLETON MUKRAH. 



206 



STATE PERIOD. 



[1860-1868. 



General Griffen, under General Phil Sheridan, was pnt in 
command. He removed Governor Throckmorton from his 
office, and appointed E. M. Pease in his place. 

365. The Reart- 
inission of Texas into 
the Union. — In 18G9 a 
constitution was drawn 
up which satisfied Con- 
gress, and Texas w a s 
again admitted to the 
Union. Governor Pease 
i-esimied. At an elec- 
tion Edmund J. Davis 
was made Governor, and 
served nearly four years, 
during which time there 
was much of bitterness 
and sorrow. 

366. The Grants 
to Railroads. — T h e 
Legislature passed laws 
giving great power to 
the Governor. 

The Texas & Pacific and the International Railroads were 
granted six million dollars each. 

One per cent, tax was levied for building schoolhouses. 




J. W. THROCKMORTON. 



TOPICAL OUTLINES. 

XXXIV. — The Civil War and Reconstruction. 

1. The sectional foehng and the cause of it. 

2. The convention. 

3. The ordinance of secession. 

4. Houston's position on this question. 

5. How Texas helped the Confederacy. 
G. The capture of Galveston. 



1860-1868.] THE CIVIL WAR AND EECON'STRUCTIOJS". 207 

7. Houston's last days. 

8. A sketch of his life. 

9. The battle of Sabine Pass. 

10. Banks' Invasion. 

11. ''Hood's Brigade." 

12. The last battle of the war. 

13. The close of the war. 

14. The government for the next two years. 

15. Military rule. 

16. The readniission of Texas into the Union. 

17. The grants to railroads. 



308 



STATE PERIOD, 



[1874-1895. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 



RECENT DEVELOPMENT, 1874-1895. 

367. Coke's Administration.* — During Coke's admin- 
istration, 1874-78, much was done to correct the evils that 

had grown up in the past 
few years. The new con- 
stitution of 1876 was adopt- 
ed. Governor Coke and 
Lieutenant-Governor Hub- 
bard were reelected ; the 
finances of the State greatly 
improved ; the frontiers 
better j^rotected and ex- 
tended. Governor Coke was 
elected to the United States 
Senate, and resigned ; Lieu- 
tenant-Governor Hubbard 
became Governor. f 

During his term a new 
peniteiitiary was built at Rusk, in Cherokee County, the pub- 
lic debt reduced a million of dollars, and all that worked for 
the good of the State given additional impetus. 

* Richard Coke was born in Williamsburg, Va., in 1829, came to Waco, 
Tex., his present home, in 1853 ; a member of the Secession Convention, 
and a captain in the Confederate army; served as a judge after the war; 
Governor in January, 1874 ; in the United States Senate since 1876 ; term 
expired March, 1895. In order to tix all future elections for November, the 
terms of these first officers were to run from January, 1877, thus making this 
term two years and nine months. 

t Richard B. Hubbard was born in Walton County, Georgia, He graduated 
from the University of Virginia, and from the law department of Harvard ; 
settled at Tyler, Tex., still his home, in 1852. He served in the Legislature, 




RICHARD COKE. 



1874-1895.] 



RECENT DEVELOPMENT. 



209 



368. The " Pay-as-you-Go " Governor. — Governor 
Oran M. Eoberts was elected in 1878 and served two terms. 
He was the author of the 

" pay-as-you-go " plan ; in 
other words, he brought all 
the public expenses within 
the public income. For this 
reason he recommended that 
less money should be used for 
the public schools. After a 
fair trial, it was shown that 
twenty-two thousand more 
children had been taught for 
a longer time for one hundred 
and ninety-seven thousand 4} 
dollars less money. At the 
close of his term there was 
in the treasury three hun- 
dred thousand dollars for 
expenses, and fifty thousand 
dollars for the public debt.* 

369. The " Feiiee-Cutters." — John Ireland was chosen 
Governor in 1882 and served two terms, f 




O. M. ROBERT! 



and was United States District Attorney before the civil Avar ; was a colonel 
in the Confederate arni}^ ; Lieutenant-Governor from January, 1874, to Decem- 
ber, 1876 ; then Governor till January, 1879 ; American minister to Japan from 
1885 to 1889. His speech at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876 
gave him a national reputation as an orator. 

*0. M. Roberts was reared in Alabama, came to East Texas in 1840 or '41, 
had been district judge and a member of the Supreme Court before the civil 
war, president of the Secession Convention, a colonel in the Confederate army ; 
and, after reconstruction, up to this time, was Chief Justice of the Supreme 
Court. After four years as Governor, he became professor of law in the 
State University till his resignation in 1893, 

t Governor Ireland was born in Hart County, Kentucky, January 1, 1827. 
He settled in Seguin, Tex., in 1853. He served in the Secession Convention, 
also in that of 1866 ; then in the Senate ; in the House in 1873 ; next in the 



210 



STATE PERIOD. 



[1874-1895. 




K. B. HUBBARD. 



At this time a large part of Texas was clianging from a 

cattle-raising to a farming 
country. 

'New counties were be- 
ing organized, and large 
bodies of land belonging to 
the State, that had given free 
pasturage to immense num- 
bers of cattle, were being 
sold, and wire fences built 
around them. This often 
closed up old roads, and pre- 
vented new ones being made. 
Small pieces of ground 
were sometimes inclosed in 

these large tracts, or were cut off from any road. The wire 

fences were often secretly cut, and there was great discontent. 
370. The Action of 

the Legislature on this 

Subject. — It was necessary 

to act quickly, and with 

wisdom, to do justice to all 

parties. 

Governor Ireland sent 

Adjutant-General William 

II. King to find out the 

exact trouble and make a 

report of it. He then 

called the Legislature 

together, and laws were 

passed making it a felony, 

or high crime, to cut a 







JOHN lUELANT). 



Senate; afterward in the Supreme Court, from which he resigned; was 
major and lieutenant-colonel in the Confederate army. 



1874-1895.] 



ilECENT DEVELOPMENT. 



211 



fence. The old public roads must be left open ; gates must 
be made every three miles^, and new roads provided for in 
fencing in large pastures. 

These laws were enforced and the troubles quieted. 

371. The New Capitol. — Though provided for in Rob- 
erts' time, the new Capitol at Austin was begun during Ireland's, 
and it is claimed that to him is due the credit that our beauti- 
ful Capitol, next in size to the one in Washington, is built of 










NEW STATE CAPITOI.. 



Texas granite, instead of limestone from Indiana as was pro- 
posed. 

The "^ Alamo " was bought by the State during this admin- 
istration. § 55. 

372. The State University and A. anrt M. Collej-e.— 
In 1839 two hundred and twenty-one thousand and four hun- 
dred acres of land were set apart for the university. The 
constitution of 1875-7G added to the university land fund 
one million acres, and the legislature following added one 
million acres from the public lands. By vote, Austin was 
selected as the most suitable place for its location ; and there, 



213 



STATE PERIOD. 



[1874-1895. 



on University Hill, the young men and women of Texas 
may carry on the course of studies begun in the public 
schools. 




STATE UNIVERSITY. 



The State Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas 
was partly based on a land grant. from the United States.* 

373. Other Public Builcliiii»-s. — Lawrence Sullivan Ross 
served as Governor from 1887 to 1889. f 



* In 1861 the United States donated to each State and Territory tliirty 
thousand acres of public land for each representative they respectively had 
in Congress, for the establishment of agricultural colleges. From this source 
Texas obtained one hundred and eighty thousand acres. This land Avas sold 
under Governor Davis (§ 365) for eight,y-seven and a half cents per acre, and 
Texas borrowed the money from the college fund, giving frontier defense 
bonds drawing seven per cent, gold interest annually. The State pays in 
interest every year on this loan the sum of fourteen thousand two hundred 
and eighty dollars to the A. and M. College. 

t Lawrence Sullivan Ross was born in Iowa, in 1838, his parents being- 
recent settlers from Lincoln County, Missouri, who came to Texas in 1840. 
Educated in an Alabama college, when twenty years old he commanded a 
large company of friendly Indians under Major Earl Van Dorn, in the battle 



1874-1895.] 



RECENT DEVELOPMENT. 



213 



During his term a second insane retreat was established at 
Terrell ; a State Reformatory for boys was founded in Gates- 
ville ; a third insane retreat provided for in San Antonio, 
and a State orphans^ home founded in Corsicana. 

The State Capitol 
was finished and ac- 
cepted. Eailroads were 
built, towns and cities 
grew rapidly, and there 
was general prosperity. 

374. The Greer 
County Question. — 
One million eight hun- 
dred thousand acres of 
land are involved in 
the question as to who 
owns the land lying be- 
tween the North Fork 

and the South Fork of Red River, the United States or Texas? 
The question dates back to 1859. In 1892, after trying in 
vain to settle it by commissioners from the United States and 
from Texas, by an act of Congress and Texas, the question was 
submitted to the Supreme Court of the United States, and has 
not yet been settled.* 




L. S. ROSS. 



of Antelope Hills, in 1858. He commanded as captain, in 1860, in the fight on 
Pease River, in which Cynthia Ann Parker was rescued. He served in the 
Confederate army as major, colonel, and brigadier-general, from 1861 to 1865 ; 
afterward sheriff of McLennan County, senator, a member of Constitutional 
Convention of 1875. He retired from the governorship in 1891, and was 
called to the presidency of the State Agricultural and Mechanical College at 
Bryan. In 1895 Governor Culberson appointed him one of the State Railroad 
Commissioners — a protest went up from the whole State. He was doing too 
much good where he was, and the voice of the people made itself heard. He 
is still president of the A. and M. College. 

* In 1840 the work of running and marking the boundary line between the 
United States and Texas was begun ; each country sending men to do the 
work together. From the Gulf of Mexico to latitude thirty-two degrees, 



214 STATE PERIOD. [1874-1895. 

375. The Railroad Coiniiiission. — Governor J. S. 
Hogg's two terms of office (1891-1895) fell during a time of 
great money and business troubles, such as have come at periods 
upon the country ever since the Revolutionary war.* 



the Sabine River was the boundary ; from this point, due north to the Red 
River ; from the intersection of this degree of latitude the Red River was 
tlie boundary to longitude one hundred, then nortli to the Arlvansas River. 
(Tliis was the boundary defined in 1819, in the treaty between the United 
States and Spain, and reaffirmed in a treaty between the United States and 
Mexico in 1828 and ratified in 1832.) The disputed point is this : Melish's map, 
published in 1818, was attached to and made a part of this treaty. The line 
was to follow Red River as laid down on this map to longitude one hundred. 
That map only laid down what is now linown as the North Fork of Red River, 
and left out the South Fork, then wholly unknown to white men, but called 
by the Indians Ke-ah-ke-ho-no, or Prairie-Dog-Town River, which has a wider 
bed than the North Fork, but not so much water. 

Where the river forks proved to be below or east of one hundred degrees 
longitude. Texas claimed the North Fork as the main branch of Red River, 
and the United States as early as 1859 claimed the South Fork. As immigrants 
flocked to Texas, and this large body of laud grew very valuable, the question 
as to whether it belonged in the State of Texas or the Indian Territory became 
a very serious one. 

In 1860 the country between the two forks was organized as a county of 
Texas, and called Greer County. 

In 1885 Congress decided, and the Legislature agreed, that the President 
should appoint four commissioners from the United States to meet four from 
Texas and settle the dispute. Governor Ireland appointed J. T. Breckenridge, 
W. S. Herndon, William Burgess, and George R. Freeman. 

In February, 1886, the commissioners met and spent several weeks in a 
critical examination of the matter. 

As the four United States commissioners voted for the South Fork, and 
the four from Texas for the North Fork, the question was still unsettled. 

In 1892, by an act of both Congress and Texas, the question was submitted 
to the Supreme Court of the United States. 

In 1888 President Cleveland issued a i)roclamation warning settlers of the 
danger in buying land in Greer County. If the Supreme Court decides in 
favor of the United States, their titles will be worthless, 

* James S. Hogg was born in Cherokee County, Texas, and was the first 
native of the State to become its Chief Magistrate. He first became a printer, 
then editor and lawyer, serving two terms as a district attorney. 

From 1887 to 1891 he served as Attorney-General of the State ; from 1891 
to 1895, as Governor, when he declined being an office-holder and resumed the 
practice of his profession. 



1894-1895.] 



RECENT DEVELOPMENT. 



215 



Changes were made in 
the constitution, and two 
laws passed which caused 
much discussion — one cre- 
ating a railroad commis- 
sion, the other in regard to 
foreigners or aliens holding- 
land in Texas. 

370. Charles A. Cul- 
berson was elected Gov 
ernor in November, 189-4, 
and was inaugurated in 
January, 1895. He recom- 
mended that an appropria- 
tion be made by the State 
to maintain the public schools 




JAMES S. HOGG. 




CHARLES A. CULBERSON. 



of Texas six months in the 
year. The first session 
of the Legislature un- 
der Governor Culber- 
son reduced the run- 
ning expenses of the 
Government. An act 
was passed, and ap- 
proved by the Gov- 
ernor, providing for 
an annual ad valorem 
State school tax of 
nineteen cents on the 
huiulred dollars for 
1895, and eighteen 
cents for the years 
thereafter, for the 
maintenance of the 
public and free 
schools. 



216 STATE PERIOD. [1874-1895. 



TOPICAL OUTLINES. 

XXXV. — Recent Development. 

1. The Governors of this period. 

2. The constitutional convention. 

3. The " pay-as-you-go " Governor. 

4. The "fence-cutters." 

5. The action of the Legislature on this question. 
C. The new Capitol. 

7. The State University. 

8. The A. and M. College. 

9. Other public buildings. 

10. The Greer County question. 

11. The railroad commission. 



183.")-1895.] PRESIDENTS AND GOVERNORS. 217 

PRESIDENTS AND GOVERNORS OF TEXAS. 

Henry Smith, 1835-1836 (Provisional Governor of Texas 
before the Repnblic). 

Presidents of the Repuhlic. 

David G. Burnet, March to October, 1836, ad ititerim. 
Sam Houston, October, 1836, to December, 1838. 
MiRABEAU B. Lamar, December, 1838, to December, 1841. 
Sam Houston, December, 1841, to December, 1844. 
Dr. Anson Jones, December, 1844, to February 19, 1846. 

Governors as a State of the Union. 

James Pinckney Henderson, February, 1846, to November, 

1847. 
George T. Wood, November, 1847, to November, 1849. 
Peter H. Bell, November, 1849, to November, 1853. 
Elisha M. Pease, November, 1853, to November, 1857. 
Hardin R. Runnels, November, 1857, to November, 1859. 
Sam Houston, November, 1859, to March, 1861. 
Edward Clark, March, 1861, to November, 1861. 
F. R. Lubbock, November, 1861, to November, 1863. 
Pendleton Murrah, November, 1863, to May, 1865. 
A. J. Hamilton (appointed), June, 1865, to July, 1866. 

(Provisional Governor.) 
J. W. Throckmorton (elected), July, 1866, to August, 1867. 
E. M. Pease (military), 1867-1868. 
E. J. Davis (elected), April, 1870, to January, 1874. 
Richard Coke, January, 1874, to December, 1876. 
R. B. Hubbard, December, 1876, to January, 1879. 
0. M. Roberts, January, 1879, to January, 1883. 
John Ireland, January, 1883, to January, 1887. 
L. S. Ross, January, 1887, to January, 1891. 
James S. Hogg, January, 1891, to January, 1895. 
Charles A. Culberson, January, 1895, to (1897), 



218 STATE PERIOD. [1895. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 

PRESEITT CONDITIOI^ OF TEXAS, 1895. 

Population in 1890, 2,235,513. Square miles of terri- 
tory, 274,356. 

377. The Wonderful Development of the Country. 

— Texas has developed beyond the brightest dreams of the 
pioneers and patriots who strnggled through hardships and 
privations, and fought on bloody battle-grounds, making way 
for the peace and prosj^erity of the generations to follow them. 
In Texas is found the largest body of rich farming land in 
North America ; this fact has enabled her to step rapidly to 
the first rank in the United States.* 

378. The Size of the Cotton Crop. — Over three million 
bales of cotton are raised in one year in Texas. The whole 
w^orld uses cotton ; an immense quantity is needed to supply 
it, and in Texas it is grown at its chea^^est, and in the greatest 
perfection. 

The cotton crop of Texas is never a failure, because of the 
deep, rich soil, and the long tap-root of the plant which 
reaches far down after moisture during a drouth, doing extra 
duty below when the season is hard above ground. For this 
reason, it is called tlie dry-weather j)lant. 

A field of cotton, with the snowy staple ready to pick from 
the opening bolls, is a beautiful and common sight to the 

* Texas is one-twelfth of the United States. To get an idea of its size, 
take a pencil and measure the length and breadth of the State. 

The same distance north will reach to the Canada line ; the same east, to 
the Atlantic Ocean ; and west, about one hundred and fifty miles into the 
Pacific Ocean. 



1895.] 



PRESENT CONDITION OF TEXAS. 



219 



school-children of Texas, 
while a single stalk away 
from its natnral home is a 
rare one. 

One large cotton plant, 
covered with unopened 
bolls, was sent from Dallas 
to a Isew York school. 
Hanging upon the wall, 
with its roots kept moist, 
the bolls slowly opened and 
unfolded the pure wliite 
cotton to the gaze of the 
children, an object lesson 
from Nature to them and 
the many who went to 
see it. 

379. The Superior 
Quality of Texas Cotton, 
— Texas already grows one- 
third of the cotton raised 
in America, and more is 
planted every year. 

Among the cotton mills 
of the world, Texas cotton 
stands highest in cloth- 
making qualities ; this is 
on account of its heavy 
body and strong, wiry 
fibre. 

380. How the Seed 
is Utilized. — Ts'ot many 
years ago all the cotton 
seed not needed for plant- 
ing was thrown away. 











CORN AND COTTON DESIGN. 



220 STATE PERIOD. [1895. 

Now, cotton-seed oil is made, and adds millions of dollars to 
the value of the cotton crop. The meal and hulls, left after 
pressing out the oil from the seed, makes ricli food for cattle. 
It is said that of the million head of cattle sent from Texas in 
one year, two hundred thousand were fattened on cotton-seed 
meal. Large oil mills are now found in ever}^ important town 
in the State. Sherman is said to have the largest one in the 
world. 

381. The Variety of Crops that may be Grown.* — 
Texas can grow a greater variety of crops than any other 
State in the Union. Wheat is grown in North Texas, and in 
the great Panhandle country, called the granary of Texas. 
Oats are raised throughout the State. The coast country, 
once given up to cattle pastures, is now known to be a rich 
sugar land, and fine for raising upland rice, fruits, berries, and 
early vegetables. Pears and strawberries are already shipped 
in great quantities. Small farms are rapidly taking the place 
of large ranches, and this section will soon be one vast garden 
spot, only one week distant, by sea, from the great markets of 
America. 

Many thousand crates of peaches and other fruits are 
shipped every year from East Texas, with Tyler as its central 
city ; it is one of the great fruit regions of Texas. 

382. Harbors of Texas. — Texas has a magnificent front- 
age, four hundred miles long, on the Gulf of Mexico. The 
drawback to her harbors, which became a serious one as the 
commerce of the State grew, has been the ridges of sand, or 
bars, lying between the inside bays, or harbors, and the Gulf, 
which kept large vessels, needing deep water, from coming into 
the piers or wharfs to be loaded. 

Smaller boats, called lighters, had to carry a ship's cargo 
out to where she lay in the deep water. 

* Seventy million bushels of corn, eight million bushels of wheat, twenty 
milliou bushels of oats, iu one year, besides other crops. 



1895.] 



prese:n^t coitditiok of texas. 



221 



It became necessary to deepen the entrances to the harbors 
by a system of jetties, or walls, and the United States Govern- 
ment set aside money to pay for building them. Congress 
decided that the principal jetties on the Texas coast should be 
built at Galveston. 

383. Galveston Jetties, to Cost $6,000,000.— The 
longest jetty system in the world was begun at Galveston in 




PLAN OP GALVESTON JETTIES. 



1891. Two great stone walls, or jetties, from eight thousand 
to ten thousand feet apart, composed of huge stones weighing 
five tons each, are being run out into the Gulf — one from the 
eastern end of Galveston Island ; the other from Bolivar Point 
(see map of the jetties), nearly parallel with, and drawing a 
little toward, the island jetty. The great tides from the Gulf 
into the bays rush out again between the jetties^ clearing out 
the sand-bars as they go. 



222 



STATE PERIOD. 



[1895. 



When the work on the jetties was begun, the distance from 
where water was eighteen feet deep inside the harbor to eigh- 
teen feet deep outside beyond the bar was ten thousand feet, 
with only twelve feet on the old bar. 

By the first part of 1895 immeasurable quantities of sand 
(seven million cubic yards or more) had been scoured out, and 
carried far out into the deep water of the Gulf by the action of 
the jetties ; several square miles of fine anchorage for vessels 
had been added to the harbor in the still water between the 




GALVESTON COUNTY WAGON BRIDGE. 



jetties ; the water on the new bar was found to be from twenty 
to twenty-two feet deep, and a channel of seventeen feet. 

In March, 1895, when less than half the money allowed had 
been used, there was an eighteen-foot navigable channel over 
the bar, the result of the jetties. 

Texas, and the States north and west, have reason to be 
gratified with the work. Great ocean steamers may soon ride 
safely into the harbor, bringing cargoes from distant lands, and 
carrying all the crops and manufactured articles Texas can 
spare to every port in the world. 

The United States Government is also working to improve 



1895.] 



PRESENT CONDITION" OF TEXAS. 



223 



the harbor at Sabine Pass. Through private enterprise, 
Velasco and Aransas Pass are to have good harbors- 

384, Galveston County Wagon-Bridge {huilt 1894, 
cost 1192,000, two and one-eighth miles long). — This bridge, 
connecting Galveston Island with the mainland, consists of 
eighty-nine steel spans, or arches, each eighty-seven feet long, 
resting upon concrete piers built on foundations of wooden 
piles sunk into the bottom of the bay. 




DAM AT AUSTIN. 



It is a novel sight, the farmer of the lower country driving 
over West Bay to Galveston market with his produce. 

385. The Largest Dam in the World.* — In 1893 
what is said to be the largest dam in the world was finished at 
Austin, Tex. 

It is built of Texas granite, upon a solid rock foundation, 
across the Colorado River, from bank to bank. The back- 
water makes a beautiful lake thirty miles long. 

The power is used for the Austin water-works, electric 



* 1,150 feet long, 60 feet high, 16,500 horse-power. Cost, $611,000. 



224 



STATE PERIOD. 



[1895. 



lights, and other purposes, leaving enough for immense manu- 
factories in the future. The lake is fine for boating and fish- 
ing, and adds beauty to the lovely scenery of our capital city. 

386. Where the Name "Artesian" Comes from.— 

How water gets into the 
crust of the earth, where 
it is held in great quan- 
tities, and how to get at 
it for the use of coun- 
tries and cities not 
blessed with running 
streams a n d natural 
springs above ground, 
are very interesting 
questions. I^ature uses 
the atmosphere as her 
chief agent in giving 
moisture to the earth, 
by letting down in rain 
the water it has taken 
up in passing over the 
sea. Some parts of the 
earth are made of such 
stone and clays as to 
hold the water that sinks 
into it. Great under- 
ground lakes are formed, 
fed by underground 
rivers. 

More than seven hundred years ago, in a province of 
France called Artois, it was the custom to pierce the earth to 
a great depth for water, in places where there was no sign of 
it on the surface. From this place the name Artef<ian came. 

387. The Artesian Wells of Texas. — When water 
comes to the surface through natural openings, it is called 




ARTESIAN SPOUTKU AT PECOS CITY. 



1895.] PRESEKT COKDITIOK OF TEXAS. 225 

spring water. AVhen the hidden water-beds are reached by bor- 
ing through the deep layers of earthy it is called an artesian 
well. AVhen the water spouts high above the ground, as in the 
beautiful wells of Waco, we know that the bed or lake of water 
is fed by streams coming from some high place, and the water 
rushing up through the opening tries to leap as high as the 
place from which it started, seeking to find its level again. 

There are great water-beds lying under different jjarts of 
Texas, at a depth of from one hundred and fifty to two thou- 
sand feet. 

One large bed lies under the country around Fort Worth, 
Dallas, and Waco ; another is found along the coast country ; 
and a third reaches from the Rio Grande, at Eagle Pass, to 
Pecos City. Many of these wells, as at Waco, are famous for 
the health-giving properties of their waters.* 

388. Irrig-atiou. — It is curious and wonderful to know 
that seven-tenths of the people of the civilized world live by 
irrigation. For nearly two thousand years we know that farm- 
ers in the old Eastern countries have irrigated their lands. In 
Arizona some of the largest canals have been built on the lines 
of the old irrigating ditches used by the Aztecs before Colum- 
bus discovered America. 

Thousands of acres of land in Texas, that, a few years ago, 
were considered only fit for grazing cattle, are now raising 
rich crops of many kinds, by water from the Pecos River. 

The Pecos rises in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, and 
for two or three hundred miles winds among the snow-clad peaks 
and lower mountains. Fed b.y brooks and mountain springs, 
until it reaches the prairie country, it is a mighty river as it 
flows through a part of Texas to the Rio Grande. 

It is a deep stream, about one thousand miles long, running 
over a smooth channel between banks from sixty to one hun- 
dred and fifty feet wide. Its depth varies from five to twenty 

* See Texas Geological Reports. 
15 



226 



STATE PERIOD. 



[1895. 



feet;, and. it never runs dry. Irrigating canals, from seventeen 
to thirty miles long, have been built, with many miles in 
branches. The valleys are filling up with wide-awake farm- 
ers. Schools are improving rapidly. Irrigation promises to 
make this immense country between the Kio Grande and Pe- 
cos Elvers the home of farmers independent of rains and 
weather-signs. 

389. Salt Deposits. — At Grand Saline, in Van Zandt 
County, is a large deposit of salt. It has been found in bor- 
ing at a depth of two hundred feet, and the salt bed has been 




BAIX HIGH SCHOOL. 



bored into for one hundred and twenty-five feet without reach- 
ing the bottom of it. The Saline is about one mile long and 
one-half mile wide. Salt is obtained by the evaj)oration of the 
strong brine. 

At Colorado City, at a depth of about five hundred feet, a 
bed of rock salt more than one hundred feet thick was found. 
At the same place salt is being extensively manufactured from 
water pumped from deep wells. 



1895] PRESENT CONDITION OF TEXAS. 227 

In Stonewall Connty there is a salt flat of about two liun- 
dred acres. It is entirely level and barren. In the midst of 
the flat is a bold running salt spring. The waters are very 
highly charged with salt. Along the banks of the spring- 
branch the salt is in beds, very often several inches thick. 
Any person needing salt in that part of Texas may go and 
gather it.* 

♦590. What is Done for Education. — Besides the im- 
mense school fund provided by the early fathers of Texas 
(§ 306), our counties and cities are taxing themselves to build 
handsome and comfortable school-buildings and to employ the 
best teachers to be had. There are many white and colored 
normal schools in Texas for the training of teachers, and many 
spend their vacations in study, striving to perfect themselves 
in their noble profession. 

The large cities have become school centres, vying with 
each other in the improvement of their public schools. 

The counties, too, are eager for their schools not to be 
laggards in the school race. The County Teachers' Institute 
does fine work in furnishing fresh ideas and giving the teach- 
ers an opportunity to keep up with the brightest and best. 

391. Private Donations to Educational Institutions. 
— Generous donations have been made by private citizens to 
educational institutions in different parts of the State. 

Standing on a beautiful square in the heart of Gralveston 
is one of the grandest school-buildings in the South. In 
1883 Mr. George Ball gave seventy thousand dollars to build 
this high school. It was built the same year, but Mr. Ball died 
before it was finished. Mrs. Ball has since spent about thirty 
thousand dollars in furnishing it and improvements. This 
living monument of his generosity bears upon a stone at the 
south entrance : "George Ball to the children of Galveston.'' 

Mr. Henry Rosenberg, a native of Switzerland, during his 

* From first annual report of the Geological Survey of Texas, 1889, E. T, 
Durable, F. G. S. A., State Geologist. 



228 



STATE PERIOD. 



[1895. 



lifetime gave the children of Galveston seventy thousand dol- 
lars for a public free school, which was dedicated in 1889. 
This building is as fine, in a different way, as the Ball High 
School. About nine hundred pupils attend this school. It 
was often visited by Mr. Rosenberg, who was a great favorite 
with the children. 

392. Denominational and Private Schools. — As the 
different religious bodies of Texas increase in wealth and 
numbers, they show a deep interest in the education of the 




KOSENF.KRG FREE SCHOOL. 



young of both sexes. Imposing college buildings are found in 
every part of the State, and a higher order of education is 
being given. 

There are also many private schools not connected with any 
religious society, which offer superior advantages for learning. 



TOPICAL OUTLINES. 

XXXVI. — Present Condition. 

1. The wonderful development of the country. 

2. The size of the cotton crop. 

3. The superior quality of Texas cotton. 

4. How the seed is utilized. 



1895.] PRESENT CONDITION" OF TEXAS. 229 

5. The variety of crops that may be grown. 

6. The harbors. 

7. Description of Galveston jetties. 

8. The Largest dam in the world. 

9. Where the name "Artesian" came from. 

10. The artesian wells of Texas. 

11. The salt beds. 

12. Irrigation. 

13. What is done for education. 

14. George Ball and Henry Rosenberg. 

15. Denominational and private schools. 



230 STATE PERIOD. [1875-1891. 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

THE CONSTITUTION^,* 1875-1891. 

393. The liCgislative Department. — The legislative 
power of the State consists of a Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives, called '^ the Legislature of Texas." 

394. Number of Senators and of Representatives. — 

The Senate consists of thirty-one members, and the number 
shall never be increased. 

The House of Representatives consists of ninety- three 
members, and can only be increased one in every fifteen thou- 
sand new inhabitants ; but they shall never be more than one 
hundred and fifty members. 

395. Leng-tli of Term of Each. — Senators are elected 
for a term of four years. 

The representatives hold their office two years from the day 
of their election. 

396. Qualifications of Each. — A senator must be a 
citizen of the United States. He must have lived in the State 
for the five years before his election, and the last year of the 
five in the district from which he is chosen, and shall have 
reached the age of twenty-six years. 

A representative must be a citizen of the United States, a 
qualified elector of this State. He shall have lived the two 
years before his election in this State, the last year of the 
two in the district for which he shall be chosen, and must 
be twenty-one years of age. 



*The constitution is omitted in tliis Scliool History of Texas because of 
its lengtli and because there is much in it tliat the ordinary pupil would 
not need to learn. 

Any one specially interested in the subject should read the constitution 
in full. 



1875-1891.] THE CONSTITUTIOIT. 231 

397. Officers of the Two Houses.— The lieutenant- 
governor is president of the senate, but the senate must 
always elect one of its own number to take his place when 
necessary, both as lieutenant-governor and president of the 
senate. 

The house of representatives elects its head officer, who is 
styled a '' speaker," and its clerks. 

398. How Vacancies are Filled. — AVhen there are 
vacancies in either house, the governor orders elections to fill 
them. 

399. Compensation of Meml>ers. — The members of 
the legislature receive from the State treasury such pay as may 
from time to time be provided by law ; not more than five 
dollars per day for the first sixty days of each session, and 
after that not more than two dollars per day until the session 
closes. In addition to this, the members are allowed mileage 
in going to and from Austin. 

400. Senatorial and Representative Districts.— The 
State is divided into senatorial districts, and no one district 
can have more than one senator. 

The representatives are apportioned among the counties, 
according to the number of people in each, as nearly as can be 
done. 

401. How a Bill Becomes a Law. — No bill can become 
a law until it has been read aloud on three several days in each 
house, and every member given the right to discuss it. 

402. What the Legislature may not do.— The legis- 
lature has not the right to levy taxes or impose burdens on 
the people, except to raise money enough to carry on the gov- 
ernment in an economical manner. 

403. Executive Department. — This department con- 
sists of a governor, a lieutenant-governor, secretary of state, 
comptroller of public accounts, treasurer, commissioner of the 
general land office, and attorney-general. 

404. How Chosen.— All the above officers (except the 



232 STATE PERIOD. [1875-1891. 

secretary of state) are elected by the voters of the State at the 
same election as for members of the legislature. 

405. About the Governor. — The governor holds his 
office for two years. He must be at least thirty years of age, 
and must have lived in Texas at least the five years before his 
election. 

He receives a salary of four thousand dollars, and the use 
of the governor's mansion and furniture. 

406. What he may not do. — During the time he 
holds the office of governor he cannot hold any other, nor 
practise any profession, nor receive pay from any one for 
anything he may do. 

407. His Duties. — He is commander-in-chief of the 
soldiers of the State ; he must cause all the laws to be faith- 
fully carried out ; he must live in the capital of the State ; sign 
every bill, if he approves of it, and perform many other duties. 

408. His Veto Power. — Every bill which has passed 
both houses of the legislature is presented to the governor for 
his approval. If he approves, he signs it ; but if he does not, 
he vetoes it. Two- thirds of each house can pass it over the 
veto. 

409. Principal Duties of Other Officers. — If the office 
of governor becomes vacant, the lieutenant-governor must fill 
it. He is president of the senate. 

The secretary of state is appointed by the governor with 
the consent of the senate. He keeps an account of what is 
done by the governor, and has many duties required of him by 
law. 

The attorney-general is the lawyer for the State in all suits 
the State may have in the supreme court. He attends to all 
of the State's law business. 

All of the State officers have to keep accounts of the busi- 
ness in their care, and make a report of it every six months to 
the governor, under oath, that it is a correct report. 

410. Judicial Department. — The judicial department 



1875-1891.] 



THE CONSTITUTION. 



233 



consists of one supreme court of three judges, five courts of 
civil a2:»peals, a court of criminal appeals, district courts, 




DALLAS t^OUNTY COUKT HOUSE.* 



county courts, commissioners' courts, justice of the peace 
courts, and any others the law may provide for. 

411. Jurisdiction of the Different Courts. — Cases in 
the lower civil courts may be appealed, or carried on for the 
courts of appeal to decide, and sometimes up to the supreme 
court. 

Criminals may appeal from the district criminal courts to 
the court of criminal appeals. So each higher court is a 
safeguard to one who may not have received justice in the 
lower courts. 

412. Chief Officers of a Court. — The supreme court has 
three judges and a clerk. 

*This magnificent Court House is noted as the place wliere six important 
courts hold session: a county court ; a criminal, and two district courts; a 
court of criminal appeals, and a court of civil appeals. 

The Dallas County officials have their offices there, and it contains a large 
law library. It cost three hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. 



234 STATE PERIOD. [1875-1891. 

The court of criminal appeals may sit in three places in 
the State, and have a clerk in each place, and the other courts 
have similar officers. 

413. Duties of Justices of the Peace. — In all criminal 
cases where the fine may not be more than two hundred dollars, 
and in some civil cases where the amount in dispute is two hun- 
dred dollars, or less, justices of the peace have jurisdiction. 

414. Suffrage; what Persons may Vote. — Every male 
person of sound mind, not a pauper nor a felon, who is a citi- 
zen of the United States, who has lived in the State the year 
before the election, and the last six months within the district 
or county in which he offers to vote, and who is twenty-one 
years of age, may vote. 

415. Who may not Vote. — Persons under twenty-one 
years of age, idiots and lunatics, jDaupers supported by the 
county, felons (with a few exceptions), all soldiers, marines, 
and seamen employed in the army or navy of the United States, 
are not allowed to vote. 

416. How an Election is Held. — In all elections by the 
people, the vote is by ballot, and the legislature provides for 
the numbering of tickets, which are placed in sealed boxes 
which can be opened only by the commissioners^ court. 

417. The Australian Ballot System. — This system 
can only be adopted by towns of more than ten thousand 
inhabitants. Voters are required to register their names, 
and are given registration certificates before the time of elec- 
tion. No man can vote unless he can show his certificate. 
He goes into a stall, and is alone while choosing which name 
he votes for on the ticket, which he can only get from the 
officers of the election. 

418. Education; why the State should Provide for 
Public Education. — As it is necessary for the preservation 
of the rights and liberties of the people tliat they shall have a 
certain amount of education, it is the duty of the State to pro- 
vide for a good system of public free schools. 



1875-1891.] THE CONSTITUTION^. 235 

419. Different Sources of Revenue. — One-fourtli of 
the general revenue or income of the State, and a poll tax on 
every male person in the State between twenty-one and sixty 
years of age, are set apart for the benefit of the public free 
schools. Besides this, each county owns school lands, and the 
money raised from them cannot be used for any other pur- 
pose.* 

420. The State University. — A permanent, or everlast- 
ing, fund is set apart for the State University, from lands 
given in 1858, and the constitution added one million addi- 
tional acres, all under the same general plan. § 36-4. 

421. The Agricultural and Mechanical College. — In 
1871 the legislature passed an act to establish a branch of the 
State University for instruction in agriculture, the mechanical 
arts, and natural sciences. It was located near Bryan, in 
Brazos County. 

422. State Normal Schools. — In 1879 the Sam Houston 
Normal Institute was opened at Huntsville, for the training of 
teachers. All students pledge themselves to teach a certain 
length of time in schools of Texas. Each senator and each 
representative may appoint a student, whose expenses are 
partly paid by the State. 

During Governor Hubbard^s term the Prairie View Normal 
was founded for the training of the colored teachers. 

423. Taxation and Revenue. — The citizens of a State 
are taxed in order to pay for public schools, to pay off the 
public debt, to build public buildings, to pay the expenses of 
the government, to pave streets, build sewers, and other 
permanent improvements. 

424. What Property is Subject to Taxation. — All 
property owned by persons or corjjorations shall be taxed in 
proportion to its value. Persons and corporations doing busi- 

* By the report of the State superintendent of education in 1890, the total 
amount of the State permanent school fund in the treasury was $19,000,600, 
with nearly 40,000,000 acres of common land unsold. 



236 STATE PERIOD. [1875-1891. 

ness in the State pay an occupation tax. The incomes of 
persons and corporations may be taxed. Farmers, mechanics, 
and municipal corporations shall never be required to pay an 
occupation tax. 

425. How the Taxes are Collected. — The sheriff of 
each county, in addition to his other duties, shall be the 
collector of the taxes therefor. But in counties having ten 
thousand inhabitants, a collector of taxes shall be elected, to 
hold his office for two years. 

A delinquent taxpayer's property shall be liable to seizure 
and sale for all the taxes and penalties due by such delin- 
quent, and such property may be sold for the payment of the 
taxes and penalties due by such delinquent, under such regula- 
tions as the legislature may provide. 

426. The Goverimient of Cities. — Cities and towns 
having a population of ten thousand inhabitants, or less, may 
be chartered alone by general law. They may levy, assess, and 
collect an annual tax to defray the current expenses of their 
local government, but such tax shall never exceed, for any one 
year, one-fourth of one per cent., and shall be collectable only 
in current money. And all license and occupation tax levied, 
and all fines, forfeitures, penalties, and other dues accruing to 
cities and towns, shall be collectable only in current money. 

Cities having more than ten thousand inhabitants may 
have their charters granted or amended by special act of the 
legislature, and may levy, assess, and collect such taxes as may 
be authorized by law, but no tax for any purpose shall ever be 
lawful, for any one year, which shall exceed two and one-half 
per cent, of the taxable property of such city ; and no debt 
shall ever be created by any city unless at the same time pro- 
vision be made to assess and collect annually a sufficient sum 
to pay the interest thereon and create a sinking fund of at least 
two per cent, thereon. 

427. The Governineiit of Counties. — Counties, cities, 
and towns are authorized, in such mode as may now or may 



1875-1891.] THE CON^STITUTION. 237 

hereafter be provided by law, to levy, assess, and collect the 
taxes necessary to pay the interest and provide a sinking fnnd 
to satisfy any indebtedness heretofore legally made and under- 
taken ; but all such taxes shall be assessed and collected sepa- 
rately from that levied, assessed, and collected for current 
expenses of city government, and shall, when levied, specify in 
the act of levying the purpose therefor, and such taxes may be 
paid in the coupons, bonds or other indebtedness for the pay- 
ment of which such tax may have been levied. 

428. The Homestead Law. — The homestead of a family 
is protected from forced sale for the payment of all debts, 
except for the purchase money thereof, or a part of the pur- 
chase money, the taxes due thereon, or for work and material 
used in constructing improvements ; nor can the owner sell 
the homestead without the consent of the wife, given in such 
a manner as the law prescribes. No mortgage, trust deed, or 
other lien on the homestead shall ever be valid, except for 
the purchase money or improvements. 

A homestead in the country consists of not more than two 
hundred acres, with the improvements on it ; the homestead 
in a city, town, or village may consist of lots not to exceed in 
value five thousand dollars at the time of declaring it a home- 
stead, without reference to the improvements, provided that 
the same is used as a home or place of business. 

TOPICAL OUTLINES. 
XXXVII. — The Constitution. 

Legislative Department. 

1. Of what this department consists. 

3. Number of senators and of representatives. 

3. Length of term of each. 

4. Qualifications of each. 

5. Officers of the two houses. 

6. How vacancies are filled. 

7. Compensation of members. 

8. Senatorial and representative districts. 



238 STATE PERIOD. [1875-1891. 

9, How a bill becomes a law. 
10. What the legislature may not do. 

Executive Departinent. 

1. Of what this department consists. 

2. How chosen. 

3. Qualifications of Governor ; his compensation. 

4. What lie may not do. 

5. His duties. 

6. His veto power. 

7. Principal duties of other officers. 

Judicial Dejjcii'tmejit. 

1. Of what it consists. 

2. Jurisdiction of the different courts (very general). 

3. Chief officers of a court. 

4. Duties of justices of the peace. 

Suffrage. 

1. What persons may vote. 

2. Who may not vote. 

3. How an election is held. 

4. The Australian ballot system. 

Education. 

1. Why the State should provide for public education. 

2. Different sources of revenue. 

3. The State University. 

4. The Agricultural and Mechanical College. 

5. Normal schools. 

Taxation and Revenue. 

1. Why people are taxed. 

2. What property is subject to taxation. 

3. How the taxes are collected. 

The Oovernment of Cities and Towns. 
The Government of Counties. 
The Homestead Law. 



PRONUNCIATIONS. 



Adaes, Ah-dah-ace. 

Armijo, Ar-me-ho. 

Anastase, Ah-nahs-tah-za. 

Assaesi, Ahs-sah-a-see. 

Amaya, Ah-mah-e-ah. 

Alazan, Ah-lah-zan. 

Alvimar, Ahl-ve-niarh. 

Alamo, Ah'-lah-mo. 

Alvarez, Ahl-vah-race. 

Alcalde, Ahl-cahl-da. 

Ayuntamiento, Ah-yoon-tah-rae- 

ane-to. 
Anahuac, Ah-nah-wack'. 

Bexar, Ba'-har. 
Bustillos, Boos-teel-yos. 
Bienville, Be-on-veal. 
Bautisto, Bah-oo-tees-to. 
Bustamente, Boos-tah.man-ta. 
Burnet, Bur'-net. 

Canales, Kah-nah'-las. 
Cardenas, Kar-da'-nas. 
Carbajal, Kah-bah-hal. 
Cervallos, Sur-vahl'-yos. 
Coahuila, Ko-ah-we'-lah. 
Cordero, Kor-da'-ro. 
Carancahua, Kah-rahn'-kah-wah. 
Chihuahua, Che-wah'-wah. 
Capistran, Kah-pace-tran'. 
Corpus Christi, Kor-pus Krees-te. 

Delgado, Dale-gah-do. 
Du Haut, Doo-ho'. 
Diezmo, De-ace-mo. 

Espada, A-spah-dah. 
Estramaduro, A-strah-mah-doo'-ro. 



Filisola, Fe-le-so'-lah. 
Franquis, Frahn-kees. 

Guadalu{)e, Gwah-dah-loo'-pa. 
Gachupin, Gah'-choo-peen. 
Galvez, Gal-vace'. 
Gutierez, Goo-te-a'-res. 

Hebert, E-bear. 
Hiens, He-an'. 
Hidalgo, E-dahl'-go. 
Herrera, A-ra-rah. 

Iberville, E-bur-veal. 
Iturbide, E-tur-be-da. 

Jesus, Ha-soos. 
Jose, Ho-sa. 
Joaquin, Iloo-ah-keen'. 
Juan, Hoo-ahn'. 
Joli, Zho-lee. 

Lipan, Le-pahn. 
Liuarez, Le-wah'-res. 
Liotot, Le-o-to'. 
Lavaca, Lah-vah-cah. 
La Bahia, Lah Bah-he-ah. 

Marque, Mark. 
Mezquit, Maz-keet'. 
Manchaca, Man-shac-ah. 
Medina, Ma-de-nah. 
Mina, Me-nah. 
Martin, Mar-teen. 
Manuel, Man-wail. 
Morelos, Mo-ra'-los. 
Mexia, Ma-he-ah. 
Manahuila, Man-ah-we-lab. 



240 



PR01^"UNCIATI0KS. 



Maria, Mah-re-ah. 
Mier, Me-ah. 

Narvaez, Nar-vah-ace. 
Nassonite, Nas-son-e-ta. 
Neches, Na-chas. 
Nueces, Nua-ces. 
Nika, Ne-kah. 

Ortiz, Or-tees. 

Pedro, Pa'-dro. 
Perez, Pa-race. 
Pilar, Pe-larh, 
Portilla, Por-teel-yah. 
Placido, Plah'-se-do. 
Plaza, Plah-sah. 
Pueblo, Poo-a'-blo. 
Presidio, Pra-se'-de-o. 
Perote, Pa-ro-ta. 

Queretero, Ka-ra'-ta-ro. 

Ramon, Rah-moan'. 

Rio Grande, Re-o Gran'-da. 

Resaca, Ra-sah-kah. 

Rio Gallinas, Re-o Gahl-ye'-nahs. 

Rosario, Ro-sah'-re-o. 

Refugio, Ra-foo'-he-o. 

Rodriguez, Ro-dre-gace'. 

Santa Fe, Sahn-tah Fa'. 
San Saba, Sahn Sali'-bah. 
San Felipe, Sahn Fa'-le-pa. 



Saltillo, Sahl-teel'-yo. 
Salinas, Sah'-le-nahs. 
San Luis Potosi, Sahn Loo-ees' Po- 

to-se. 
Salado, Sah-lah'-do. 
Sesma, Sase-mah. 

Teran, Ta-rahn'. 
Tehias, Ta-he'-ahs. 
Tehuacano, Ta-wah-cah-no. 
Toncahuas, Ton-cah-wahs. 
Trespalacios, Trace-pah-lah-se-os. 

Ulloa, Oo-lo'-ah. 

Ugartechea, Oo-garh-ta-cha'-ah. 

Urea, Oo-ra'-ah. 

Velero, Va-la'-ro. 
Valleo, Vahl-ya'-o. 
Velasco, Va-lahs'-ko. 
Vera Cruz, Va-rah Kroos'. 
Vizaron, Ve-zah-roan'. 
Viesca, Ve-ace'-kah. 
Villa, Veal-yah. 
Venibides, Va-ne-be'-das. 

WoU, Wahl. 

Xavier, Zah-ve'-airh. 

Ysleta, E-sla'-tah. 

Zacatecas, Zah-kah-ta'-cas. 
Zambrano, Zahm-brahn'-o. 
Zavala, Zah-vah'-lah. 



INDEX. 



A. AND M. College, 211, 212. 

Acordada Prison, 98. 

Aj^-ua Dulce, 138. 

Alamo Monument, 134, 135, 

Alazan Creek, 54. 

Alien Land Law, 215. 

Allen, S. T., 88, 

Almonte, Juan N., 100, 120, 148, 

149, 154, 157, 160, 165. 
Alsbury, Mrs., 133. 
Alsbury, William, 183. 
Alsbury, Young R., 153. 
Alvarez, Senora, 138, 143. 
Ampudia, General, 183, 186. 
Anahuac, 88, 89. 
Anastase, Father, 29. 
Anaya, Don Gaspardo, 31. 
Anderson, Kenneth L., 189. 
Andrade, General, 165, 166. 
Andrews, llichard, 108. 
Annexation, 196. 
Aransas Pass, 204. 
Archer, Dr. Branch T., 110, 115, 

117. 
Archer, P. C, 204. 
Arista, Mariano, 193. 
Armies at San Jacinto, 152. 
Arredondo, General, 55, 56. 
Artesian wells, 224, 225. 
Assaesi, Francisco de, 41. 
Aury. Louis d', 62, 63, 64. 
Austin City, 173, 174, 177, 190, 198. 
Austin dam, 223, 224. 
Austin, James B., 72. 
Austin, John, 59, 60, 89, 90, 94. 
Austin, Moses, 69. 70, 72. 
Austin, Stephen F,, 69-78, 81, 92, 

94-98, 101, 104, 107-110, 115, 117, 

168, 170. 
Austin's colony, 72. 

Baker, Mosely, 147, 148. 
Ball, George, 227. 

16 



Ball High School, 227, 228. 
Banks's invasion, 204. 
Barbier, Sieur, 29. 
Barnard, Dr. J. II., 142. 
Barr, Kobert, 168. 
Barr, William, 50. 
Barrataria Island, 63. 
Bastrop, 104. 
Battles : 

Antelope Hills, 213. 

Brownsville, 204. 

Buena Vista, 185. 

Colita, 140, 141, 

Concepcion, 108, 109, 140. 

Council House Fight, 175. 

Fall of the Alamo, 126-134. 

Galveston, 202. 

Goliad, 52, 53, 59, 60, 105, 106. 

Gonzales, 104, 105. 

Grass Fight, 111. 

Medina, 55, 56. 

Mier, 183, 184. 

Monterey, 193. 

Nacogdoches, 91. 

Palo Alto, 193. 

Resaca de la Palma, 193. 

Sabine Pass, 203, 204. 

Salado, 53, 54, 181, 183. 

San Antonio, 112-114, 213, 

San Jacinto, 151-160, 174. 

White Cow, 52, 53. 

Velasco, 147, 171, 
Batuista, San Juan, 31, 33, 34. 
Bayou City, steamer, 202, 203, 
Bean, Ellis P., 48, 51, 79. 
Bee, Barnard E., 157, 
Bell, J, H., 72, 74. 
Bell, Peter II., 194, 
Ben, 120. 
Bexar road, 143. 
Bigelow, Horatio, 58. 
Black flags, 113. 
Blackburn, Ephraim, 51. 



242 



INDEX. 



Blanco, Victor, 78. 

Boerne, 187. 

Bogarra, Anselmo, 120. 

Bolivar Point, 59. 

Bonaparte, Napoleon, 45. 

Bonham, J. B., 127, 129. 

Boundary troubles, 46, 47, 194. 

Bowie, James, 91, 92, 107, 109, 111, 

127, 133, 140. 
Bowles, Indian chief, 175. 
Bradburn, Captain, 88, 89. 
Brazoria, 89, 104. 
Brazos bottom, 147. 
Breckenridge, J. T., 200, 214. 
Brown, Henry S., 89, 90. 
Brown, John Henry, 180. 
Brown, Mrs. John Henry, 198. 
Brown, Reuben R,., 138. 
Brownsville, 193, 204. 
Brutus, vessel, 171. 
Brvan, Moses Austin, 155, 156. 
Buck Ague, 103. 
Bufifalo Bayou, 152. 
Bullock, J. W., 91. 
Burgess, William, 214. 
Burleson, Edward, 20, 104, 107, 

109-111, 147, 153, 155, 164, 174, 

175, 182, 194. 
Burleson, James, 111. 
Burnet, David G., 79, 83, 119, 150, 

162, 164, 168, 170, 173, 175. 
Burns, 60. 

Burton, Isaac W., 165, 
Bustamente's decree, 87, 91, 94, 

95. 

Caddo Village, 46. 
Cwsar, 51. 

C^aldwell, Matthew, 181. 
California, 194. 
Canary Islanders, 43. 
Candelaria, Sefiora, 133. 
Capistrano, Juan, 36. 
Capital removed, 180. 
Carson, S. P., 119. 
Casa Fuerte, 44. 
Castinado, General, 104, 105. 
Castle of Perote, 185. 
C^astleman, John, 102. 
Castrillon, 130. 
Castro, Henry, 187. 
Castro, Senor de, 30. 



Castroville, 187. 

Chadwick, Adjutant, 142. 

Charles V., 66. 

Cherokee County, 208. 

Cherokee war, 174, 175. 

Chriesman, Horatio, 94. 

Christy, 59, 61. 

Chronological summaries : Discov- 
eries, missions, and expeditions. 
68; colonization, 99; revolution, 
66, 167; Republic, 191. 

Cincinnati, 148. 

City of Mexico, 33, 59, 60, 61, 74, 
'81, 94, 95, 98, 177, 186, 193. 

Chadwick, Adjutant, 142. 

Clark, Edward, 201. 

Cleveland, Grover, 214. 

Clifton, steamer, 203. 

Coahuila and Texas, 83, 101. 

Coahuila, Governor of, 35. 

Cochrane, William, 65. 

Coke, Richard, 208. 

Coker, John, 153. 

Collingsworth, George M., 105. 

Colonial schools, 85. 

Colonists, 83, 85. 

Colorado City, 226. 

Columbia, 168. 

Columbus, schooner, 109. 

Commissioners to United States, 
110, 117. 

Consultation of 1835, 115; declara- 
tion of, 116. 

Convention, first, 94; second, 119. 

Cooshattie village, 58, 59. 

Copano, 142, 143. 

Cordero, General, 54. 

Cordova, Vicente, 174, 177. 

Coronado, Vasquez de, 26. 

Corpus Christi, 193, 204. 

Corpus Christi road, 143. 

Cortez, Hernando de, 24, 36. 

Cortina, N., 198. 

Cos, General, 107, 109, 111, 113- 
115, 152-155. 

Cox's Point, 147. 

Crockett, David, 127. 

Crop failures, 193, 194. 

Crozat, Anthony, 30. 

Crozat's grant, 30. 

Council of Ten, 101. 

Culberson, C. A., 215. 



IKDEX. 



243 



Dallas artesian wells, 225. 
Dallas, George M., 189. 
Dalrymple, 198. 
Davenport, Samuel, 58. 
Davis, E. J., 206. 
Davis, Jefferson, 202. 
Dawson's massacre, 182. 
Declaration of Independence and 

Signers, 120-124. 
DegueUo (" no quarter"), 131. 
De Leon, Alonzo, 35, 40. 
De Leon, Martin, 81. 
De Leon's colony, 81. 
Denominational schools, 228. 
Description of the Alamo, 129. 
De Witt, Green, 81, 85. 
De Witt's colony, 81, 82, 104, 127. 
De Witt's mound, 104. 
Dickenson, Mrs., 120, 133. 
Douglas, Stephen A., 200. 
Drawing the black beans, 185. 
Duque, Colonel, 132. 
Dusenbury, John, 185. 

Eagle, Commodore, 202. 
Eagle Pass, 225. 
Education, 227. 
Edwards, Benjamin, 78. 
Edwards colony, 77, 79. 
Edwards, Haden, 77-79, 81. 
Ehrenburg, Herman, 140. 
El Blanco, 49. 
Elisondo, General, 54, 56. 
Ellis, Richard, 119, 168. 
Empresarios, 71. 
England, 174, 189, 190. 
Espejo, 25, 

Fannin, James, 107, 110, 120, 137, 

143, 148. 
Fannin's massacre, 142, 143. 
Fence cutters, 209, 211. 
Ferguson, Dr., 142. 
Fernando, Juan, 43. 
Field, Dr. J. E., 142. 
Fields, Indian chief, 79. 
Filisola, Vicente, 95, 97, 148, 149, 

152, 157, 160, 163, 165, 174. 
First white colony, 28. 
Fisher, Henry F., 186. 
Fisher, S. Rhoads, 168. 
Fisher, William S., 183, 184. 



Flores, 136. 

Florida, 25, 47. 

Ford, John S., "Rip," 195, 204. 

Forts : 

Adaes 

Anahuac, 88, 89. 

Bend, 147, 149, 150. 

Brown, 193. 

Cobb, 20. 

Delaware, 202. 

Goliad, 60, 88. 

Lafitte's, 64. 

Nachitociies, 30. 

Neches, 43. 

Nolan's, 49. 

Old Station, 82. 

Parker's, 198. 

Sabine Pass, 204. 

St. Louis, 28, 29, 32, 35. 

Teran, 88. 

Velasco, 89. 
Fort Worth artesian wells, 225. 
Fort Worth Spring Palace, 156. 
France, 27, 28, 174, 187, 186. 
Franciscan priests, 36, 38, 41. 
Fredericksburg, 187. 
Fredonian war, 78, 79. 
Freeman, G. R., 214. 
French explorations and claims, 27- 

33, 45. 
French immigration, 187. 
Fulton, G. W., 169. 

Galveston, 147, 149, 150. 
Galveston County bridge, 223. 
Galveston Island, 62-65, 147. 
Galveston jetties, 221, 222. 
Galvez, Colonel, 62. 
Gaona, General, 149, 164. 
Garay, Colonel, 142-144. 
Garner, John, 153. 
Garza, De la, 75. 
German immigration, 186, 187. 
Giddings' Regiment, 204. 
Goliad,'^41, 52, 59, 60, 88, 105, 126, 

137, 138, 139, 142, 144, 148, 152, 

153, 180. 
Gonzales, 81, 82, 102, 104, 127, 146, 

169. 
Governors, list of, 217. 
Governor's mansion, 196, 232. 
Grand Saline, 226. 



244 



INDEX. 



Granger, 205. 

Grant, Dr. James, 137, 138, 148. 

Greer County question, 213. 

Griff en, General, 206. 

Gulf of Mexico, 25, 35, 213, 220. 

Gulf Stream, 28. 

Owi?in, Lady, steamer, 202. 

Hamilton, A. J., 205. 

Handy, Robert E., 120. 

Harcourt, Edward, 147. 

Hardeman, Bailev, 119. 150. 

Harrisburg, 148-150, 152, 153. 

Hawkins, Joseph L., 72. 

Hays, Jack, 179-182, 193. 

Hazel Kun, 70. 

Henderson, J. P., 168, 192, 193. 

Herndon, W. S., 214. 

Herrera, Simon, 47, 53, 54, 62, 
189. 

Hill, John C. C, 186. 

Hocklev, Colonel, 153, 157. 

Hogg, J. S., 214. 

Hog-wallow prairie, 16. 

Hollev, Mrs. Mary Austin, 74, 85. 

Holtz'inger, Colonel, 142, 143. 

Homestead Law, the, 237. 

Hondo Creek, 45. 

Hood, J. B., 204. 

Hood's Brigade, 204. 

Horton, Albert C, 140. 

Houston, A. J., 156. 

Houston City, 169, 180, 182. 

Houston, Sam, 94, 95, 110, 115-120, 
127, 128, 138, 139, 146-153, 155, 
156, 163, 165, 168, 170, 175, 179- 
182, 186, 189, 198, 200, 201, 203. 

Hubbard, R. B., 208. 

Hughes, B. F., 144. 

Hunter, John Dunn, 79, 

Huntsville, 203. 

Huston, Alanson, 147. 

Indians : Why so called, 19 ; origin, 

19 ; habits, 19. 
Indian Tribes : 

Alabamas, 22. 

Anadacos, 21, 195. 

Anaquas, 22, 40. 

Apaches, 21. 

Arananuis, 22, 40. 

Caddos, 21, 46, 195. 



Caranachuas, 19, 30, 40, 62, 

Cherokees, 77-79, 174, 175. 

Comanches, 19, 43, 74, 75, 175, 
176, 195, 196. 

Cooshatties. 22, 53, 55, 58. 

Keechis, 21. 

Kickapoos, 174. 

Kiowas, 19, 176. 

Lipans, 21, 177. 

Muscogees, 22. 

Nassonites, 29. 

Natchez, 34. 

Neches, 36. 

Pawnees, 21. 

Pueblos, 22, 26. 

Tehuacanos, 21, 49. 

Toncahuas, 20, 195. 

Wacos, 21, 195. 

Wichitas, 22. 
I7idepende7ice, vessel, 171. 
Ingram, Ira, 168. 
Insane retreat, 213. 
Invmcihle, schooner, 164, 171. 
Ireland, John, 209, 210, 214. 
Irrigation, 225, 226, 
Iturbide, 56. 

Jack, P. C, 88. 
Jack, William, 88. 
Jackson, Andrew, 165, 171. 
John T. Car?', steamer, 202. 
Johnson, Andrew, 205. 
Johnson, Captain. 58, 59, 190, 
Johnson County, 51. 
Johnson, Francis W., 112, 113. 
Johnson, Frank W., 137, 138, 

148. 
Johnson, M. T., 198. 
Johnston, Albert Sidney, 175, 193, 
Jones, Anson, 189, 190. 
Julius Ccesar, schooner, 171. 

Karnes, Henry W., 113, 147, 150, 

154. 
Karnes, Robert \V., 120. 
Kaufman, David S., 192. 
Kearney, Lieutenant, 65. 
Kemper, Colonel, 53-56. 
Kendrick, 180. 
Kentucky, 147. 
Kerr, James, 81. 



IN^DEX. 



245 



King, Captain, 139, 148. 
King, William H., 210. 

La Bahia, 53. 

Lafitte, Jean, 58, 63-65. 

Lafitte, Pierre, 63. 

La Grange, 185. 

Lamar, MirabeauB., 153, 168, 170, 

173-176. 
La Mineria, 186. 
Lanarge, Marquis of, 32. 
Land Commissioners, 169. 
Land Office, 170. 
Lane, Harriet, 203. 
Lane, Walter P., 185, 193. 
Lapham, 153, 
Lara, B. G. de, 53, 53. 
Laredo, 182. 

La Salle, E. Cavalier de, 27-30, 45. 
La Salle's expedition, 27-30. 
Law for disarming Texians, 102. 
Lee, Robert E., 198. 
Leon Creek, 179. 
Letter to foreign countries, 182. 
Letters of marque, 64. 
Lexington of Texas, 83. 
Liedsdorf, Captain, 109. 
Linarez, Duke of, 32. 
Lincoln, Abraham, 200. 
Linnville, Indian attack of, 176. 
Lively, schooner, 72. 
Lockhart, Matilda, 176. 
Long, David, 58, 59. 
Long, Mrs., 59. 
"Long's expedition, 58-60. 
Louis XV., 45. 
Louisiana, 27 ; ceded to Spain, 45 ; 

ceded to France, 45 ; sold to 

United States, 45. 
Lubbock, F. R., 202. 

Madison, President, 64. 
Magee's expedition, 52-56, 58. 
Magruder, J. B., 202, 203. 
Manchaca, General, 55. 
IMargil, Father, 39, 40. 
Martin, Albert, 127, 129. 
Martin, Wyley, 147. 
Martinez, Father Damien, 35. 
Martinez, Governor, 71. 
Matagorda, 149, 301. 
Matagorda Bay, 28, 46, 60, 65. 



Matamoras, 93, 137, 144, 186. 
McCoy, Daniel, 103. 
McCuIloch, Ben, 193. 
McCuUoch, II. E., 181. 
McKinstry, G. B., 170. 
McLeod, Hugh, 175, 176, 177. 
Medina, Francisco, 93. 
Mexia, Jose Antonio, 93, 94, 184, 

185. 
Mexican Constitution of 1834, 90. 
Mexican Independence from Spain, 

66, 67. 
Mexican War, 193, 193. 
Mier expedition, 183-186. 
Milam, Ben R., 59, 105, 107, 111, 

113. 
Military rule, 305. 
Millard, Colonel, 150, 153. 
Miller, Burchard, 186. 
Miller, Dr. J. II. C, 103, 103. 
Miller, James B., 96. 
Mina, F. X., 63, 64. 
Mission life, 37, 38. 
Mission ruins, 43. 
Missions : 

Alamo, 38, 112, 120, 130, 139, 
152, 153, 211. 

Concepcion, 39, 107, 130, 140, 
182. 

Espiritu Santo, 40. 

La Bahia, 40. 

La Trinidad, 40. 

Refugio, 40, 41, 139. 

Rosario, 40. 

San Fernando, 40. 

San Francisco de Espada, 40, 107. 

San Jose, 39. 

San Juan Capistrano, 39. 

San Saba, 40. 
Missouri, 176. 
Mobile, 33. 
Monterey, 60, 70, 98. 
Monument Hill, 185. 
Moore, John H., 104. 
Moreland, Isaac N., 150, 153. 
Morelos, Maria, 157. 
Morgan, James, 147. 
Morris, Robert C, 113. 
Muldoon, Father Michel, 89. 
Murder of the traders, 102. 
Murrah, Pendleton, 204, 305. 
Musquiz's journal, 49, 50. 



246 



II^'DEX. 



Nachitoches. 84, 71, 106. 
Nacogdoches, 30, 40, 58, 59, 79, 88, 

1)1, 147-149. 
Nangle, 134. 

Napoleon of the West, 126. 
Narvaez, Panfilo de, 25. 
Natches, 48, 50, 58. 
Navarro, Jose Antonio, 136. 
Neill, Joseph C, 112, 127. 
Neptune, steamer, 202, 203. 
Neutral strip, 47. 
New Braunf'els, 187. 
New Capitol at Austin, 211. 
New Mexico, 194. 
New Orleans, 59, 63, 04, 72, 106, 

117, 164. 
New Orleans Greys, 106, 109, 114. 
New Philippines, 43, 44. 
Nocona, Peta, 198. 
Nohpo, 196. 
Nolan Creek, 51. 
Nolan's expedition, 48-58. 

Only Son, schooner, 73. 
Ordinance of secession, 200, 201. 
Organization of new counties, 210. 
Owassee, steamer, 203. 

Palm Sunday, 142. 

Pan Handle, 220. 

Parker, Cynthia Ann, 198. 

Parker, Quanah, 198. 

Patriots, Mexican, 52, 53. 

Patterson, Commodore, 

Pay as you go, 209. 

Peach Point, 170. 

Pease, E. M., 196, 206. 

Pecos City, 225. 

Pecos Valley irrigation, 225, 226. 

Perry, Colonel, 54-56. 

Perry, Commodore, 62, 63. 

Perry, Mrs. E. M., 170. 

Perez, Francisco, 59, 60, 

Phelps, Dr., 164. 

Piedras, Jose de las, 88, 89, 91. 

Pilsbury, Timothy, 192. 

Placido. Indian chief, 20, 195. 

Pockmark Jim, 195. 

Polk and Texas, 189. 

Polk. James K., 189, 190. 

Ponton, Andrew, 129. 

Portilla, General, 144. 



Potter, Reuben M., 129. 
Potter, Robert, 119. 
Presidents, list of, 217. 
Presidio of Rio Grande, 30. 
Pride, the schooner, 65. 
Pi-ivate schools, 228. 
Provisional government, 115. 
Public buildings, 196. 
Public schools, 196, 197. 

Quanah, town of, 198. 
Quasho Prohebits, 196. 
Queretero, 41. 

Railroad Commission, 215. 
Railroads, 197, 206. 
Rainwater, E. R., 153. 
Ramon, 33. 

Rangers, Texas, 174, 195. 
Raymond, Mrs. Nat., 198. 
Red House, 65. 
Red Rovers, 141. 
Refugio, 139. 

Republic of Texas, 168-190; recog- 
nition of, by England and France, 
174. 
Republicans, 54, 60, 63, 67. 
Result of Mexican War, 193. 
Rivers : 

Arkansas, 175, 214. 

Blanco, 51. 

Brazos, 49, 71, 73, 75, 92, 147, 
150, 164, 174. 

Calcasieu. 47. 

Colorado, 28, 71, 146, 147, 223. 

Concho, 187. 

Guadalupe, 60, 71, 81, 146. 

Illinois, 27. 

Lavaca, 28, 71, 82, 170. 

Llano, 187. 

Medina, 55, 187. 

Mississippi, 25, 27, 28, 30. 

Nachitoches, 30. 

Navidad, 71,170. 

Neches, 29, 30, 88. 

Nueces, 33, 55, 193. 

Ohio, 27. 

Pease, 198. 

Pecos, 226. 

Perdenales, 187. 

Prairie-Dog-Town, 214. 

Red, 30, 45^ 58, 75, 102, 213, 214. 



INDEX. 



247 



Rio Grande, 114, 126, 137, 176, 
179, 182, 183, 193. 204, 225, 
226. 
Sabine, 47, 59, 111, 149, 213. 
Sal Colorado, 193. 
San Antonio, 39, 166. 
San Jacdnto, 71, 154. 
San Marcos, fight on, 102. 
San Saba. 187. 

Trinity, 40, 48, 56, 58, 59, 152, 
174,' 192. 
Rives, Denmore, 153. 
Roberts, Captain, 112. 
Roberts, 0. M., 209, 211. 
Robertson, Sterling C, 82. 
Rocky Monntains, 16, 225. 
Rodriguez, Fernando, 60, 136. 
Rosenburg, Henrv, 227, 228. 
Ross, L. S., 198, 212, 213. 
Ross, Reuben, 53, 54. 
Ross, S. P., 195. 
Royalists, 53, 55. 

Rules governing European discov- 
eries, 24. 
Runnels, Hardin R., 196. 
Rusk, Thomas J., 119, 120, 124, 
147, 152, 160, 163, 165, 168, 174, 
175, 190, 192. 
Russell, W. J., 90. 

Sabine Pass, harbor improvements, 

Salado Creek, 54. 

Salado, Hacienda, 184, 186. 

Salcedo, General, 54. 

Saltillo, 83, 92, 174. 

Sam, 120. 

San Antonio de Bexar, 38, 40, 43, 

53, 54, 69-71, 83, 85, 88, 98, 107, 

109, 110, 112, 126, 127, 138, 146, 

175, 179, 181, 185. 
San Antonio road, 52, 71. 
San Felipe de Austin, 75, 78, 88, 

94, 147, 149. 
San Juan de Ulloa, 88. 
San Miguel, 1 77. 
San Patricio, 137, 138. 
San Pedro Springs, 109. 
San Martin ranch, 204. 
San Saba mines, 40. 
Sandoval, 44. 
Santa Anna, Antonio Lopez de. 



87-92, 95, 97, 100, 115, 120, 126, 
129, 130, 134, 136, 139, 144, 146, 
166, 179, 184, 186. 

Santa Fe, 176, 177, 194. 

Santa Fe expedition, 176, 177. 

Scott, Winfield, 141, 193. 

Secession conventiorf, 200. 

Seguin, 179. 

Seguin, Erasmo, 71, 96, 142. 

Seguin, Juan N., 134, 164. 

Sesma, General, 146, 149. 

Shackleford, Dr., 141, 142. 

Shephard, J. H., 151. 

Sheridan, Philip, 206. 

Sherman City, 220. 

Sherman, Sidney, 147, 153, 165. 

Sibley's Brigade" 202. 

Slaughter, J. E., 204. 

Smith, Ben Fort, 104, 155. 

Smith, Captain, 58. 

Smith, Erasmus ("Deaf"), 81, 120, 
147, 152, 153, 155, 164, 169. 

Smith, Ilenrv, 83, 101, 107, 115- 
118, 127. 128, 168, 194. 

Smith, J. VV., 116. 

Somervell campaign, 182, 183. 

Somervell, General, 182, 183. 

Soto, Hernando de, 25. 

Souverein, 88, 89. 

Spain's neglect of Texas, 26; jeal- 
ousy aroused, 35. 

Spanish bluff, 56. 

Spanish explorations and claims, 
24-26, 44, 46. 

St. Denis, Jugereau, 30-34. 

Staked plain, 16. 

Star of the West, 201. 

State orphans' home, 213. 

State reformatory, 211. 

State university, 213. 

Stillwell, 153. 

Stonewall County, 227. 

Sylvester, James, 155, 157. 

Synopsis of Constitution, 230, 237. 

Ta-ishput, 198. 

Taylor, Zachary, 192, 193. 

Tehias, 36. 

Texas, origin of name, 36; descrip- 
tion of, 13-16; iron districts, 14; 
coal veins, 14; building stones, 
14; salt beds, 226, 227; timber 



248 



INDEX. 



region, 15; natural divisions, 15; 
Bois d'Are, 16; coast region, 16; 
mountain region, 16; prairie re- 
gion, 15; variety of crops, 220; 
cotton crop, 218-220; ownership 
settled, 47; colonial population, 
85; population of 1890, 218; area 
of, 218; development, 218; pres- 
ent condition, 218-228; harbors. 
220-223. 

Thomas, David, 119. 

Throckmorton, J. W., 205, 206. 

Thurmond, A. S., 185. 

Toledo, General, 55. 

Travis, William B., 88, 102, 106, 
111, 118, 127 ; letters of, 127- 
130, 132, 139. 

Treaty with Santa Anna, 162. 

Trespalacios, Felix, 56, 59, 60. 

Turtle Bayou Resolutions, 89, 92. 

Twin Sisters, 148, 153. 

Tyler, President, 190. 

Ugartechea's defeat at Velasco, 89, 

90. 
United States claim to Texas, 46 ; 

effort to buy Texas, 87 ; resolves 

to annex Texas, 196, 198. 
Urrea, General, 138, 139, 141, 144, 

149, 157, 164. 

Valero, Marquis de, 33. 
VanDorn, Earl, 201. 
Van Zandt, County of, 26. 
Vasquez, 179, 180. 
Vehlin, Joseph, 79. 



Velasco, 89, 90. 

Venezuela, 64. 

Vera Cruz, 88, 164, 165. 

Verrimendi, 136. 

Victoria, 144 ; Indian attack on, 

176. 
Victoria, Guadalupe, 81, 87. 
Villasecas, 31, 

Villasecas, Donna Maria, 31, 33. 
Vince's bridge, 152-154. 
Virginia Point, 202. 

Waco, 21 ; artesian wells of, 196, 

225. 
Walker's Camp, 59. 
Wallace, Major, 141. 
Ward, Colonel, 139. 
Washington, 58, 182, 211. 
Westfield, steamer, 203. 
Wharton, John A., 107, 115. 
Wharton, William 11., 83, 95, 107, 

110, 117, 171. 
Wigfall, Louis F., 204. 
Wilkinson, General, 47, 49. 
Winkler, Mrs., 204. 
Woll, Adrian, 164, 181, 185. 
Wood, George T., 193-195. 

Yellow Stone, steamer, 170. 
Ysleta, 22 ; old church, 22, 26. 
Yucatan, 65, 144, 170. 

Zacatecas, 41. 

Zavala, Lorenzo de, 79, 87, 97, 101- 

115, 119, 162, 170. 
Zavala, Lorenzo de, Jr., 156. 







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